Hyperia – The Serpent’s Cycle

Older metallers would know that Canada have always had a great reputation when it comes to thrash metal with iconic acts as Annihilator, Exciter, Razor, Sacrifice, Voivod etc. Founded in 2018, a female-led four piece (the band started out as a five piece band originally), Hyperia are ready to keep the fire of thrash metal burning. The quartet hails from Vancouver (British Columbia) and the band’s current line-up consists of; a married couple Marlee Ryley (vocals) and Colin Ryley (guitars), with great help from Jon Power (bass) & Ryan Idris (drums).

Although they only formed in 2018, last year they already released their third full-length album entitled, The Serpent’s Cycle. I received this 10-tracker (plus a bonus track) just recently, more than a year after its initial release. Nonetheless, it should not prevent me of writing a few words on this rather impressive and excellent third outing from Hyperia. Thus, The Serpent’s Cycle comes as a follow-up to their first two albums, namely; Insanitorium (2020) and Silhouettes Of Horror (2022).

Since their first EP, Hyperia has been making a mark on the thrash metal scene as a rising force not only on Canadian soil, but also on a global scene, where band’s recent tour in Europe is the best proof of their good international reputation as hard-working and highly productive band.

The Serpent’s Cycle starts with a massive intro track, “Ego Trip”. It kicks in with a classic and atmospheric clean guitar part, before some heavy chugging guitar riffs, pummeling drums and infectious chorus take over. Already with this opener we are presented to Marlee’s unique vocals, which range from clean and melodic ones to screamings and shoutings, and to Colin’s riffs that are technical, heavy and catchy. Another important feature of “Ego Trip” is the well placed melodic guitar refrain which is simply brilliant. The next track is named “Automatic Thrash Machine”, it starts with more pulsating guitar riffs and thrashing drums to a more death metal tempo. I enjoyed amusing and infectious chorus in particular. This track is a perfect one for the live performance, being a ‘mosh-friendly’ frenzic anthem.

I’ve decided not to go every individual track through, but I find it important to write a few words on two of my favorite tracks; “Spirit Bandit” and “Deathbringer”. First of the two because of the absolutely frenetic and speedy nature of “Spirit Bandit”, being the fastest song on the album. Also a song where bass and drums play a big role lifting this song while once again hitting their targets. The album ends on a more experimental note, “Deathbringer” which is another of my favourites, mainly due to a dark and ominous black metal influence on this particular song. Actually, the album closes with inspired cover of an old Heart classic “Crazy on You”. Their cover is fairly faithful to the original, with unique thrash mid-section and again extremely well-produced vocals of Marlee. A very nice and fun ending to the album.

If Insanitorium and the critically acclaimed sophomore album Silhouettes of Horror helped carving their name and make sure they’re being noticed, with the release of The Serpent’s Cycle they took the whole thing to another level. Overall, this is an excellent third outing from Hyperia – a very well produced, ballanced, coherent and varied album that will please fans of the bands mentioned above, but also anyone into caustic and unrelenting thrash metal.

For additional info on this a year old album visit https://hyperiametal.bandcamp.com/album/the-serpents-cycle