Wovenhand - Hiss Spun (2018)
Wovenhand – Hiss Spun (2018): Album Review, Tracklist, Credits & Trivia
Introduction to Hiss Spun
Hiss Spun is the eighth studio album by American gothic Americana / alternative rock band Wovenhand, released on September 21, 2018 via Glitterhouse Records.
The album represents one of the heaviest and most intense releases in Wovenhand’s discography, pushing further into industrial rock, post-punk, and dark atmospheric territory while retaining the band’s spiritual and lyrical depth.
Background and Recording
Following Star Treatment (2016), Wovenhand continued evolving toward a more aggressive and electric-driven sound.
Hiss Spun was recorded with a focus on tight, rhythmic structures and layered guitar textures, emphasizing a darker sonic identity. The album features core contributions from:
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David Eugene Edwards
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Chuck French
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Neil Keener
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Ordy Garrison
The production leaned heavily on distorted guitars, hypnotic grooves, and repetitive rhythmic patterns, giving the record a trance-like intensity.
Musical Style and Sound
Hiss Spun blends multiple genres into a dense, powerful sound:
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Gothic Americana
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Industrial rock
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Post-punk
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Alternative rock
Key characteristics include:
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Heavy, distorted guitar riffs
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Driving, almost mechanical drum patterns
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Minimalist yet hypnotic arrangements
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Dark, spiritual, and symbolic lyrics
Compared to earlier albums, Hiss Spun is less acoustic and more abrasive, creating a raw and confrontational listening experience.
Hiss Spun (2018) Tracklist
The album contains 9 tracks:
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Wooden Brother
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Rusty Nail
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The Ratcatcher
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A Holy Measure
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The Quiver
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Crystal Palace
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Sunblood
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Glistening Black
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Thirteen Moons
Each track contributes to the album’s dark, immersive atmosphere, with songs flowing into one another in a cohesive sonic journey.
Album Credits
Band Members
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David Eugene Edwards – vocals, guitar
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Chuck French – guitar
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Neil Keener – bass
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Ordy Garrison – drums
Production
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Produced by Wovenhand
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Released by Glitterhouse Records
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Recorded in the United States
The production style emphasizes minimalism combined with sonic density, allowing each instrument to contribute to the album’s hypnotic power.
Reception and Legacy
Hiss Spun received strong critical acclaim, particularly for its bold sonic direction and uncompromising intensity. Critics praised:
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The album’s dark atmosphere and emotional weight
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Edwards’ commanding vocal performance
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The band’s shift toward a heavier, more experimental sound
Many fans and critics consider it one of Wovenhand’s most powerful modern releases, highlighting the band’s continued artistic evolution.
Most Popular Songs from the Album
Crystal Palace
A standout track combining driving rhythms and haunting melodies, often cited as one of the album’s highlights.
The Ratcatcher
A dark and intense song with ominous instrumentation and layered vocals.
Wooden Brother
The opening track sets the tone with heavy riffs and hypnotic repetition.
Fun Facts About Hiss Spun
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The album is often described as Wovenhand’s most industrial and aggressive release.
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“Crystal Palace” became one of the most recognized tracks from the album.
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The record emphasizes rhythmic repetition, creating a trance-like listening experience.
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It showcases a clear evolution from the band’s earlier acoustic Americana roots.
Trivia
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The title Hiss Spun reflects a sense of tension and transformation, aligning with the album’s dark themes.
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The album continues Wovenhand’s tradition of spiritually charged and symbolic lyricism.
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Critics often compare its sound to post-punk and industrial acts, marking a stylistic shift.
Did You Know?
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Hiss Spun represents a fully matured heavy era for Wovenhand, far removed from their early folk-driven albums.
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The band’s live performances during this era were known for their intense, almost ritualistic energy.
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The album’s minimalist structure helps amplify its emotional and sonic impact.
Download Wovenhand's albums from Amazon
Wovenhand Full Discography: Complete Guide to Albums & Covers Collection (2002-2022)
More Albums:
Wovenhand - Consider the Birds (2004)
Wovenhand - The Threshingfloor (2010)
Wovenhand - The Laughing Stalk (2012)
Wovenhand - Refractory Obdurate (2014)
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