HYPERIA are a five piece melodic thrash/death metal band from Canada, as they came together in 2019 with the two key members who are also husband and wife, MARLEE RYLEY and COLIN RYLEY as they are still a part of the band even to this day. The band started out as a five piece band originally with different members on bass guitar, second guitar and drums as they came to releasing their EP later on in the same year they formed the band, the EP titled FISH CREEK FRENZY. The EP contained three tracks but of course this was only the beginning for the band, releasing two new singles after the EP, then these tracks were all put together for their debut album which was titled INSANITORIUM containing ten tracks overall.

The debut album was released in 2020 through Sliptrick Records, the EP was merely a taster of what the band was all about, as we can hear the melodic vocals of MARLEE RYLEY as well as the thrash metal style guitars from COLIN RYLEY and cunning drums played by JORDAN MAGUIRE who appeared only on this album. The debut album itself speaks volumes and really hits the nail on the head, with all there is to know about the band, this certainly gives us the bigger picture of what they can do which is just delightful but full of satanic bliss as well. Three more singles were released then in 2022, of course it was only expected that their second album was to come, titled SILHOUETTES OF HORROR as this contained eleven tracks.

Now the band are back again with another album making this their third studio album to date, titled THE SERPENT’S CYCLE as the first track is “Ego Trip” as we hear the strings being picked on guitar, with a stomping bang in the background like an implosion with a drone sound effect too. Then guitar and drums open up with lashings of cymbals as well as explosive riffs, being played at a slow pace before the tempo increases with pulsating guitar riffs and drums. Vocals come into play as they are full of disgust and nastiness, even backing vocals can be heard too, as the full band are in full assault mode, with screeching guitar riffs. However we can't help but move on to the next track which is “Automatic Thrash”, as this starts off with more pulsating guitar riffs and thrashing drums to a more death metal tempo.

Vocals are so harsh and have such an attitude as the guitar as well as drums launch off like a rocket for a brief moment. The drums and guitars are very much the heart of this track, vocals have their fair share of contributing to this track as we come to an instrumental section, guitar taking the lead with drums supporting, lead guitar even has their own solo parts. Drums build up to the next section, there is so much devastation and we can go onto the next track now which is “Prophet Of Deceit”, cymbal hits come first with guitar blows as they also play some high range riffs. There is more of that from guitar as drums are very flexible, vocals have such fiery and satanic behaviour, all together with bass guitar off on flight mode with such ambition.

Vocals do hold and sustain a lot of their high end notes as the lead guitar mimics the harmonic ring. More of the rocket fueled instrumental side as we head into the next track which is “Psychosomatic”. Such charisma with more punches and a kick in the teeth with drums, bass guitar and lead guitar as they take on a thrash tone with a death metal twist to it. Such a fascinating melody as well from lead guitar and stamping from drums go hand in hand even some backing vocals too, as we head on into the next track with “The Serpent’s Cycle”. A more metalcore vibe perhaps as the bass guitar and drums combine to force such a darker nature to the album, drums take a more less devious approach but still vigorous.

Drums take on a short solo pattern before lead guitar dances around with more cunning thrash riffs, there is certainly so much variation with the lead guitar as it does make the track more interesting as drums follow along. The vocals create the transition that goes into the next track as we head into “Trapped In Time” as a more versatile drum and guitar duality come to light here, before vocals join in. More of the lead guitar vibrato as is vocals reaching the same range to reflect the lead guitar notes being played, drums played superbly with lots of cymbal hits as well as the rest of the instrumentation does well to keep up the high standard of playing their socks off.

“Spirit Bandit” is up next as we hear more hungry and blood thirsty vocals eating their way through the intro of this track, even with a more operatic style, this certainly creates more of a contrast. Bass guitar and drums once more hit their targets with a bullseye, no questions asked which is what I love to hear and this track is certainly consistent in saying this band are oozing with confidence. So a faster section leads us into the next track which is “Eye For An Eye” as lead guitar soars so high with drums supporting them as does bass guitar, vocals remain eager and patient as before knowing when to strike next. The band does very well to settle down with slower but more clarified musicality, but of course they can revert back to the pulsating pathway of annihilation.

More guitar melody can also be heard as the track progresses, giving more solo riffs of its own, as it teases vocals in coming back for more to feast on. A dropkick or bombshell implosion of all instruments leads into the next track which is “Binge & Surge” as clattering drums come first with lead guitar as well as vocals with a score to settle in this track. Even a kick trigger at one point is very well thought out and sets the tempo for the other instrumentation to follow suit, lead guitar enjoys moments of excitement with solo riffs. Vocals take a short breather to allow lead guitar and drums as well as bass guitar to shine but vocals do return eventually, so into the next track which is “Deathbringer”.

Blistering drums and lead guitar come through first with vocals spitting blood and expressing their inner feelings, belting those double kicks out as drums ensures that lead guitar or vocals make themselves known to the listener. After short and quick projections from drums and lead guitar, screamer vocals come in sustaining and holding their nerve as  drums enjoy a nice rhythmic solo of their own, throwing those double kicks faster than. “Crazy On You” as we hear acoustic guitar being strummed before lead guitar blasts off with cymbal hits, as lead guitar provides a lot of melody, with vocals singing more with an angelic tone. Faster drum patterns with lead guitar gives the closing outro to this album, as we hear the melody one last time.

It strikes me that this band is capable of providing so much variety as well as class, there is a lot to be interested in. So I would say if you are into thrash metal/death metal then this album will certainly meet your expectations, as well as providing lots of energy and flair, so there is no way you could rate these guys too low. I did enjoy them and look forward to hearing more from them, so check them out by all means.