HYPERBOREAN — Shadows (review)

HYPERBOREAN — Shadows album cover EP · 2014 · Brutal Death Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
UMUR
"Shadows" is an EP release by Italian, Cesena based death metal act HyperboreaN. The EP was independently released in July 2014 and it´s the band´s first official release. HyperboreaN was founded in 2012.

The music on the 3 track, 15:19 minutes long EP is brutal and technically well played death metal. Female lead vocalist Sara Cusato has a demonic growling delivery, which may be processed but sounds both menacing and convincing. Upon initial listen the music doesn´t exactly come off as original sounding, but giving the EP more spins reveals intriguing compositional layers and ideas, and I dare say that "Shadows" is actually quite innovative, or at least different from other contemporary brutal technical death metal releases.

One of the things I noticed and which I think works really well for the band, is the way they often play slow/doomy or picked guitar chords over a fast drum beat, which gives the music a massive chaotic sound. HyperboreaN varies pace quite often too and all tracks also feature rather interesting structures, bordering progressive territory. The otherwise brutal and massive soundscape even includes a couple of clean/acoustic sections, atmospheric sections, and a relatively good use of melody too. Other than the brutal technical death metal influence, which is the dominant style on the EP, there´s also a pretty obvious Meshuggah influence in some of the heavy groove oriented parts. An influence which makes the music even more varied than it already is. Another valid reference is Ulcerate although HyperboreaN is generally more easily accessible. HyperboreaN are both skilled musicians and composers though and all stylistic elements seamlessly flow together to form their style. On top of that "Shadows" features a great sci-fi atmosphere, which provides the music with the right dark mood.

"Shadows" is very well produced too, and although I would probably normally have an issue with the somewhat clicky drum sound, I think it suits the music and the atmosphere well. It´s a sound where all instruments and vocals are clear in the mix, but not in a sterile clean fashion. So upon conclusion I´m pretty impressed by "Shadows" which I think is a very promising debut release by HyperboreaN. A 4 star (80%) rating is more than deserved. More of this please!
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