Hex [LP]

Elements collide, split, multiply, and generate energy. In similar fashion, the trio of vocalist and bassist Ben Flanagan, guitarist Mark Engles, and drummer Chris Robyn convene, congregate, and commune to power up Black Map. Their union teems with emotion and electricity-which the musicians in turn harness to craft hypnotically heavy anthems underscored by unpredictable musicality and undeniable hooks. Pivoting around a nimble balance of post-hardcore, alternative, and hard rock, they incite a reaction rooted in their longstanding chemistry on Hex. The guys have been on the same page since day one. The players had respectively come up in celebrated alternative bands with Mark in Dredg, Chris in Far, and Ben in The Trophy Fire, however, they unlocked a distinct sound upon forming Black Map during 2014. They captivated with... And We Explode [2014], In Droves [2017], and Melodoria [2022]. Along the way, the Northern California group tallied tens of millions of streams fueled by favorites such as "Run Rabbit Run," "Gold," and "No Color". At the top of 2024, they retreated to Southern California to record Hex with Saosin guitarist Beau Burchell behind the board as producer. Everyone locked into a clear and collective cohesive vision and in the end, Black Map's energy proves uncontainable.