Heavy proggers HeKz return with new single ‘MAYDAY’ 

Hard-hitting rock with a progressive flair, featuring a lineup of international talent.

What life gives with one hand, it can take away with the other. How do you keep your head, and your heart, when everything starts to crumble around you?

HeKz evoke these feelings of chaos and
resilience with dramatic and intense performances on their new single ‘Mayday’ – the first release from the forthcoming double album ‘Terra Nova.’

An overdriven bass riff introduces the song and sets the tone for what will follow – the mesmerizing guitar work of Mark Bogert, the relentless drums of Moyano el Buffalo and the enchanting violin of special guest Lucia La Rezza, with the commanding voice of vocalist / bassist Matt Young leading the charge.

“‘Terra Nova’ is a concept album,” explains Young, “The elevator pitch for the story is along the lines of ‘running towards your ultimate goal won’t help you to outrun your demons, so find a different way.’ In the song ‘Mayday’ we find ourselves in a very challenging position. The song is about how we cope when our plans fail and, if everything is lost, you can go down fighting!”

On Lucia La Rezza’s contribution to the song, Young continues, “HeKz were invited to perform at the Hard Rock Hell festival in 2021. At the time, it wasn’t going to be possible for Irina [Markevich, violin] to join us for the concert, and Lucia came highly recommended. I was amazed to see her covers of Iron Maiden and Dragonforce songs, all played on the violin at full tilt!”

“Since the plan was to perform this music on stage together, we invited Lucia to contribute to a couple of the new songs. Unfortunately, the festival show was cancelled but I’m grateful we have this recorded collaboration. Lucia and Irina have very different approaches to the violin, and the music of ‘Terra Nova’ is all the richer for it.”

Written and recorded by the musicians in their home studios in the UK, Spain and the Netherlands, ‘Mayday’ was produced and mixed by Matt Young and mastered by Tom S. Ray (Audio Unity, Scotland). Artwork by Dmitris Tzortzis [Immensa Artis].

HeKz – Mayday [Official Video]

L-R – Lucia La Rezza, Mark Bogert, Moyano el Buffalo, Matt Young

UK heavy proggers HeKz announce new double concept album ‘TERRA NOVA’

HeKz’s fourth album ‘TERRA NOVA’ will see lead singer and bassist Matt Young joined by a new line up of international talent.

“HeKz has always been a musical chimera, fusing elements of heavy metal, hard rock and progressive music,” explains Young. “The new line up reflects that perfectly – we’ve got a prog guy, a metal guy and a rock guy. On paper, that’s an odd mix but the chemistry is undeniable. This album is the next logical step in the band’s evolution.”

Pieter Beemsterboer – pic by Arthur Haggenburg


The new guitarist cannot yet be revealed due to contractual reasons, and ‘TERRA NOVA’ will see Pieter Beemsterboer (ex-Black Rabbit) on keyboards and Moyano el Buffalo (5th Avenue Hamburg) on drums.

Moyano el Buffalo – Pic by Jesus Figueirido

“Working with this new line up has already been so rewarding. The guys have so much talent, but also the taste to hold back when necessary. Everybody plays to serve the song, and when they get their moment, it’s quite extraordinary to behold!”

A concept piece, ‘TERRA NOVA’ was written by Young over a two year period. A familiar story with a unique flavour, the album weaves a tale of ambition, duality and the desperate fight to overcome the darkest parts of your personality in order to become the person you were born to be.

“We’re making a double concept album in 4 different countries, working remotely and all during a pandemic. It’s completely mad but tremendously exciting. We’re proud to share this first taste of new music and can’t wait to take you on this journey with us.”

The first part of the album will be released as an EP in late 2021, with the full double album to follow in early 2022.

The first single from ‘TERRA NOVA’ will be released in Spring 2021.

Matt Young picture by Sally Newhouse.

For more information visit: www.hekztheband.com