HEXED

biography long

From left: Daniel Håkansson - Simon Aspsund - Tina Gunnarsson - Jay Matharu - Stellan Gunnarsson

HEXED was formed in 2015 by Lead-Vocalist Tina Gunnarsson and Guitarist/Backing-Vocalist Stellan Gunnarsson in Uppsala, Sweden. Drawing on their previous experiences as members of several different bands in the Swedish metal music scene they came together with a similar vision of composing music which was different from what all their peers were currently producing.

With mutual influences such as Queensrÿche, Crimson Glory and Pagans Mind, it was clear from the beginning that the duo wanted to create heavy music with a focus on strong and powerful vocals combined with melodic hooks.

When the songwriting, arrangements and pre-production was complete it was time to begin production on their debut album. Before they could proceed they would need to recruit new band members. They found Daniel Håkansson a driven Bass Player who was no stranger to the local metal scene, and the multi talented musician Teddy Möller would taken on the role as the band’s Drummer. In June 2018 rhythm wunderkind Simon Aspsund took over drum duties from Teddy. Early 2019 the great musician and experienced Guitar Player Jay Matharu also joined the band to complete the current 5-piece line-up.

Their debut single “Dreams” was released with a lyric video in the beginning of May 2016. Whilst the album “Netherworld” was under production HEXED released a second single with music video for the song, “Exhaling Life”. The single featured guest-vocals from Thomas Vikström - (Therion, Candlemass) filmed and produced by Magnus Ewald, who also has made videos for bands like Liv Sin, Crucified Barbara etc. A third single with lyric video for the track ”Lightyears" was released in May 2017.

The interest and response for HEXED after these early releases was overwhelming and followed by several proposals for the band to consider. After much thought HEXED signed a worldwide record deal with “ViciSolum - Productions”, a Swedish label who already had several established artists on its roster including bands such as Persefone & Divine Ascension.

"Netherworld"

HEXED’s first full-length album “Netherworld” was released on the 30th March 2018. Together with the album, the opening track "Obedience" was released combined with a lyric video. This video was filmed by Dennis Gunnarsson, edited and produced by Mattias Norén at ProgArt. "Netherworld" contains 10 tracks and in addition to Thomas Vikström's magnificent involvement you can also hear some powerful guest-vocals from the amazing singer Ronny Hemlin - (Tad Morose) on the last track "Remake My Soul".

All the composition and music arrangements for the early single releases and for the "Netherworld" album is made by Stellan and all the lyrics are written by Tina. The production and recordings are made by Stellan and Teddy at Blueflame and HEXED Studios. The vocals were produced and recorded together with the great "Diztord" at TB Music Productions and the album was mastered by Jouni Niemi at Big Jambo Studios. All the amazing cover-art for the single releases and album were made by Mattias Norén at ProgArt Media, who have made covers for many great bands including Epica, Kamelot, and Evergrey.

Netherworld received a very good reception from both press and fans all over the world. There were many great reviews from magazines, webzines, bloggers and radio stations. Tracks from the album have made it onto many radio playlists and are on regular rotation. The band has also been called for several live interviews which were broadcasted in many different countries within Europe, USA and Canada.

tours and concerts

HEXED has played venues all around Europé including several known festivals during 2018-2019. The band early got a really strong reputation for always delivering a solid and fantastic live performance. Many fans of “Netherworld” who attended a concert say that HEXED is an even better live.

Tina has a unique voice with a wide register and has been recognised by many people in the industry as "one of the best vocalists in her genre". On several occasions Tina has also been named as "a vocalist of the highest level" with her own unique style.

HEXED have already shared stages with several established artists such as Leprous, Omnium Gatherum amongst many others.

In March and April 2019 HEXED embarked on a European Tour together with Manticora and Loch Vostok which helped to promote “Netherworld” as well as grow their fanbase.

During this Tour HEXED performed in eight different countries and they received amazing feedback from their audiences and an overwhelming interest from Radio, Magazines, Photographers, and Bloggers. Several interviews, photo sessions, "meet and greets" with both media and fans throughout the European tour created a buzz around the band.

In due time metal fans around the globe will be split into two groups - Those who are already HEXED and those who are about to be! Are you HEXED yet?