Hex Divided is the new solo project of singer/guitarist and composer Vincent Mery from Landes!

Silence is made to be broken. Hex Divided is the brainchild of Vincent Mery, former member of French post-metal outfit Appollonia. A full decade after his former band's final chapter, the singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist—based in Ondres, France (the hallowed birthplace of you-know-who)—returns with a massive new solo endeavor. Hex Divided I delivers alternative metal with a twist. It’s a record that thrives on contrast, forging bone-crushing heaviness and technical precision with unapologetically catchy, pop-infused melodies. Fueled by an eclectic spectrum of influences—spanning the atmospheric gloom of Katatonia, the raw grit of Life of Agony, and the melodic sensibilities of Nada Surf—this debut EP sets the stage for a compelling new chapter.

After a decade and four studio albums, the Appollonia chapter came to a definitive close in 2016. Burnt out by the relentless grind and the harsh realities of the independent DIY scene, Vincent stepped away. The frontman and songwriter seemed to have permanently retired from the stage, shifting his focus entirely to opening his own music store in Bayonne. He might have stayed out of the spotlight for good, were it not for a decisive push from a longtime friend: Franck Hueso, the mastermind behind synthwave juggernaut Carpenter Brut. Having previously mixed Appollonia's records, Hueso urged Vincent to break his silence, pick up the guitar again, and build a new project without artistic compromises. Ten years later, that creative spark has finally materialized into Hex Divided.

In many ways, Hex Divided serves as a direct spiritual successor to Appollonia, where Vincent acted as the primary songwriter. While his former band morphed from its early hardcore/screamo roots into the atmospheric post-metal of their final 2014 album, Dull Parade, Hex Divided picks up exactly where that evolution left off. This new project, however, completely unchains Vincent’s undeniable pop sensibilities and his deep appreciation for accessible, hook-driven songwriting. These are genuine anthems—built on unapologetic verse-chorus structures—that remain deeply anchored in heavy music. The result is a striking, organic contrast: crushing, distorted riffage and technical weight colliding with sharp melodies and impassioned, entirely clean vocal lines. Stepping into the role of sole architect, Vincent reflects on the process:

I have to admit, I really appreciated not having to worry about anyone else’s opinion. Ultimately, I’m the only one who needs to love these songs. My biggest challenge was simply finding the time to make this EP happen—two years to produce six tracks. At a certain point, it drives you crazy. You listen to a part two hundred times, constantly second-guessing every tiny detail. But now that I’ve found my rhythm and workflow, the next steps will be much faster. In fact, I’m already working on them! The most frustrating part of working solo is definitely the lack of perspective. Fortunately, I can always count on Fabien Devaux, who mixed the EP. I send him every track the second it’s done, and his feedback always points me in the right direction.

"The Faithless" serves as Hex Divided’s opening salvo. It’s an introductory track where delicate guitar notes and lush layers quickly surrender to a driving rhythm section, ultimately unleashing a devilishly catchy riff woven seamlessly with soaring arpeggios. It stands as the perfect statement of intent: an alternative metal sound that modernizes '90s vibes with genuine panache, all while flirting with prog and post-metal nuances. This momentum carries directly into the anthemic "By & By”, before taking on the subtle, grunge-infused shades of "Chinese Demography". But it’s "Heart Of Gold (They Say)" that truly celebrates the project's artistic freedom—blending a bouncing triple-time groove with an indie-rock sensibility, sneaking in an erratic guitar solo that Tom Morello himself would be proud of, and ultimately culminating in an epic, cathartic pop crescendo.

Speaking of pop sensibilities, Hex Divided pushes this dynamic to the extreme with a powerful, heavy reimagining of The Smiths' classic, "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out”. Released as a single on June 16th—fittingly marking the 40th anniversary of The Queen Is Dead—it serves as a striking centerpiece. This momentum naturally paves the way for the EP’s closer, "Cruel Tide", a much darker, emotionally charged descent. These rich stylistic shifts are exactly what sets Hex Divided I apart in the heavy metal landscape: it’s an expansive, open-minded record capable of resonating with a multitude of souls. This very duality is reflected in the name Vincent chose for his new endeavor:

Stream / Buy / Download the album on Bandcamp

A hex spreading through the masses—that’s kind of how I envision music. It’s an inexplicable force that suddenly strikes a crowd and completely captivates them, whether they’re experiencing a live show or just listening to a record. That’s the exact energy I want to channel with this project. Interestingly, a friend had a completely different interpretation: he saw it as a reference to the growing social divide in France. It hadn’t crossed my mind, but it’s actually quite fitting. You could even apply that image to the whole world right now. And after all, France is historically known as 'The HEXagon.' So, why not?

Beyond the sheer sonic catharsis, Vincent pays equally close attention to his lyrical craft. Through his soaring upper vocal register, he delivers words that are deeply personal and profoundly weighty. Thematically, he doesn't shy away from the dark corners of society—taking aim at the abuse of power and those who manipulate innocent lives, while holding out hope for an ultimate reckoning. On a more intimate level, he navigates the complex emotions of grief and mortality, exploring the poignant desire to face the end of life alongside a loved one. The inherent isolation of being the sole architect behind the music undeniably bleeds into the emotional intensity of his writing.

Even when I set out to tell fictional stories, a piece of myself inevitably bleeds into the lyrics. The first two tracks are a direct reaction to the absolute madness of the world right now. Every single day brings new conflicts, devastating human suffering, and blatant abuses of power by ruthless individuals. These are themes I constantly grapple with. I know tackling them might risk sounding cliché at first, but they naturally found their way into this project. I just approach them through a deeply emotional lens, rather than a purely political or protest-driven one.

Arriving fully formed with this debut EP, Hex Divided makes a massive impact. These are meticulous, masterfully crafted compositions that simply demand to be heard. Let the hex be cast!

Line-up :

Vincent Mery (vocals/guitar/bass/programming)

Recorded by Vincent Mery at home, Ondres, France

Mix, mastering & additional programming by Fabien Devaux at Outsider Studio, Poitiers,

France

Artwork : Mirabolle

Hex Divided:

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Thank you very much Vous Connaissez ? // PR by Clément Duboscq

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