Sonar

HESKEN is a progressive metalband from Zwolle (NL) with an unmistakable musical footprint. Inspired by Gojira, Opeth, Fractal Universe, Beyond Creation, Thy Art Is Murder and Tool, they forge their own unapologetically raw progressive metal.

The band was formed in 2018 and since then they’ve had setbacks, line-up changes but most importantly they’ve made some major steps towards success. Since late 2022, early 2023 they’ve been writing the first songs for their upcoming album which is set to release mid-2024.

When they played their first gig with the new line-up in Breda (NL), featuring Changing Tides, the ball started rolling for them. Since then they’ve played in Rotterdam (NL), Groningen (NL), Zwolle (NL), Harderwijk (NL) and Nordhorn (DE).

They’ve played with a variety of bands like Black Rabbit (NL), Pound (US), Vermin (NL), A Place To Fall (DE), Serotonia (NL), Loyalty Ends Here (NL), Caffa’s Rain (NL) and Vidarr (NL).

When the guys from HESKEN heard that they were selected for the Dutch metalbattle, they couldn’t contain their excitement. After two days on the road for other gigs they arrived in their home-base Zwolle and blew the metalbattle audience (and jury) away from their first note. After an energetic performance they took home the win and went on to the semi-finals in Groningen.

In Groningen they once again blew everyone away with their unique song-writing, showmanship and with their ability to get the crowd going. After a bunch of moshpits, a wall of death and a sing-along the jury was convinced that this band had to play the finals in Harderwijk.

When the time arrived for the finals, they filled the room with HESKEN-fans and filled the air with screams. The band is growing a steady and loyal fanbase and are working towards their first album with a burning passion for metal in their hearts.

A Metal Battle review from the Dutch ‘Stichting Noord Geldersch Metaal’:

“The 2nd selected band, but not any less exciting, is Hesken. As the victors of ‘veldslag noord’* they’ve fought their way into the finals. This prog-metal band heavily leans on influences from Melodic Death Metal. These 4 warriors know how to throw in a lot of different styles into the mix which gives them the ability to speak to a wider audience.”