Today is the ten year anniversary of Hessian.

Vincent Price Is Right played a lot around the release of this album, probably too much, within the proximity of New York City. It was an exciting time for those involved and we got to play with an assortment of bands we loved and established friendships with musicians that outlived the existence of VPIR.

We recorded a demo prior that I’m sure almost no one has or probably wouldn’t want to have, we were in the middle of re-recording those earlier tunes when I ruined the band. That recording session was the first time in a studio for me and I can reflect on tracking the demo fondly as we did it with friends and it was fun. There wasn’t any pressure at all.

Hessian was recorded in the beginning of summer 2013 with producer Bryan Goldsman (Emmure, White Line Tiger). It is an EP consisting of six songs clocking in at 27 mins and 30 seconds. This recording was more professional and while I had a healthy dose of anxiety, I never felt threatened and I welcomed any suggestions. It was educational and overall, an enjoyable experience. Bryan was instrumental during this recording in helping us achieve our sound.

There are a fairly broad range of influences coming through in this batch of songs. From hardcore to black metal, death and even a smidge of thrash. I was one half of dueling vocalists, responsible for the higher pitched raspy vocals, and I think we both did our due diligence lyrically on this particular release.

I could go through each song with a microscope and offer up my thoughts, positive or negative, but that isn’t necessary. While I find the record difficult to listen to for personal reasons, I never listen to my old band, and rarely do I listen to The Proprietor or anything I have a hand in, as I am often very self critical of the sound of my voice or the delivery. I will say that the title track Hessian is probably the best representation of what Vincent Price Is Right was. And the highlight for me is the gang vocals at the end of Church, the only song re-recorded from the demo, and the one song on the ep that had a deeper lyrical meaning and not just about mythology or serial killers, but rather a tribute to our lost brother, Jeff.

Love us or hate us, individually, collectively or even, sonically, while it might not be your cup of tea, we made something solid, and I can say that I am proud of the work and my contribution.

I can’t listen to it, although, that doesn’t mean you can’t. Go and give it a stream. Feel free to tell me what you think.

Tracklisting:

1. Hessian
2. Proper Red In Ginger Jars
3. Mudgett
4. Faust
5. Crytoportrait
6. Church

PS. I always hated the paint brush font on the cover.