Exclusive Debut: HISS – A Cheapened Crown – Music Magazine

Portland-based noise-sludge ensemble, HISS, comes to the scene with a raw and gritty edge that speaks volumes about their musical pedigree. Although relatively new as a band, the group’s members have an extensive history in the heavy music underground of the Pacific Northwest. Guitarist/vocalist Robert Comitz and bassist/vocalist Kirk Evans previously collaborated in Still/Form, while drummer Chase Hall has also collaborated with Comitz in Marriage + Cancer. HISS is not a clean departure from these previous projects but rather a culmination of their heaviest, most aggressive elements brought together in a new setting to fester.

Their debut album, “A Cheapened Crown,” embodies a sludgy noise-rock sound that defies easy categorization within traditional metal, post-hardcore, or noise-rock boundaries. The guitars unleash scraping and lurching riffs reminiscent of the unsettling tension found in Marriage + Cancer, while the weighty low-end evokes the crushing heaviness of Still/Form. However, HISS is less concerned with genre conventions than with creating an impactful listening experience characterized by driving heaviness, dissonant riffs, punishing beats, and Comitz’s gravelly vocals that intensify the overall sense of discomfort.

In a commentary on the track “100% Wool,” Comitz explains, “It’s about how people will go to great lengths to gain favor from those in power. They’re so subservient they’d do anything, even resort to degrading acts.” This narrative thread underscores the thematic depth of the album, delving into dark and unsettling subject matter that reflects the band’s uncompromising approach to music.

Recorded at LoRent Studio, mixed by Bob Cheek, and mastered by Carl Saff, “A Cheapened Crown” exudes a meticulously crafted yet physically damaging quality. It captures a sense of heaviness reminiscent of the old-school ethos, eschewing glossy production in favor of a raw, unfiltered sound that leaves the listener questioning their own footing.

Scheduled for release on August 21 through a collaboration between Diptired Records, Hex Records, and the band, “A Cheapened Crown” promises to be a visceral and intense listening experience. From the opening track to the closing notes, the album showcases HISS’s relentless dedication to creating music that challenges conventions and pushes boundaries. To experience the full impact of “A Cheapened Crown,” listeners can stream the album below and pre-order it through Hex Records or Diptired Records.

In conclusion, HISS’s debut album marks a bold and unapologetic entry into the realm of heavy music, solidifying their position as a band to watch in the vibrant Portland music scene. With “A Cheapened Crown,” HISS establishes themselves as a sonic force to be reckoned with, unafraid to explore the darker corners of the musical landscape and confront audiences with their raw, uncompromising sound.