{"id":231980,"date":"2026-03-02T13:49:55","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T12:49:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.angrymetalguy.com\/?p=231980"},"modified":"2026-03-02T13:49:55","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T12:49:55","slug":"hoaxed-death-knocks-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.angrymetalguy.com\/hoaxed-death-knocks-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Hoaxed – Death Knocks Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Death Knocks<\/em> isn’t the most extreme album out there, but it straddles the metal boundary more than enough to earn a spot here. While I hadn’t heard of Hoaxed<\/strong> before, their new release caught my eye through its album art and its impressive lead single, “Where the Seas Fall Silent.” This three-piece from Portland plays metal-edged occult rock that aims for an eerie atmosphere as much as for melodic gems. Simple and concise, Death Knocks<\/em> isn’t revolutionary, but it’s a worthwhile half-hour coven excursion.<\/p>\n

Hoaxed<\/strong> plays a familiar brand of bass-heavy, mid-paced doomy rock. In contrast with much of the genre, Hoaxed<\/strong>’s guitars might be the most understated part of their sound. Alternating between more aggressive riffs that recall Sumerlands<\/strong> and sparser melodies, Kat Keo’s guitar work is simple but tinged with evil. New bassist April Dimmick (Soul Grinder<\/strong>) brings her thrash experience to bear with aggressive thumping bass lines that often steal the show. Keo also handles lead clean vocals, while Dimmick alternates between clean harmonizing and harsh growls. These vocal melodies serve as a backbone, offering straightforward but engaging hooks to hold songs together. Rounded out by occasional synth backing, Death Knocks<\/em>’ style of Gothic rock reminds me of Avatarium<\/strong> or a slowed-down Unto Others<\/strong>. It’s not an unheard-of style, but it’s one that works.<\/p>\n