Death Metal seems to be one of the most universal Metal genres of all, because the vast range of musical formulas, and the fact that every country on Earth (even where it couldn't grow, as on some theocracies or dictatorial states), it appears. But some feed passion for the old days, the days when Florida, UK and Stockholm where centers of the attention of all Death Metal maniacs. Today, as it can be found anywhere, to hear a Ukrainian act as HYPNOS isn't a surprise. And the quartet is releasing another album, "The Blackcrow".

Their music is the same old and good Death Metal from the 90's, presenting the purest essence of the genre: brutal and aggressive with a raw approach, sometimes playing fast (in the traditional way of the genre, not something at the speed of light), sometimes in a slow form. It's good, but there's a problem: this same formula is used by many others, what means that to be noted, one band in such way must do something outstanding. And besides the quartet shows personality (a great and important feature), they need to sharp their talent just a bit more. Just a bit!

The production was done in a way that the band uses the rough and brutal instrumental tunes of the past, but taking advantage of modern recording devices. And this combination reaches a good result, because their music sounds aggressive and raw, but in a defined way that everyone can understand.

They're veterans into Death Metal, and their musical work shows potential on songs as "The Blackcrow" (very good contrasts of bitter slow moments with aggressive parts, with very good guitar riffs), "Afterlife Disillusion/The End of Idolatry" (when they explore their slow paced tempos, things become even better, with a good work from bass guitar and drums), "Dawn of their Halcyon Age" (this personal form of grunted vocals is fits perfectly on the slow and sharp moments, and nasty sickening solos can be heard as well), "Vae Victis" (another great and charming song, tempered with contrasts of fast and slow parts), "Culte de la Raison" (the grunts are changed for scream shrieks that fits in a great way on the slow and oppressive approach of the song), and "In Grief/Too Old to Cry" (a slow and nightmarish song, infused by sharp drilling guitars). They have potential to be a leading force into the genre, it's just a matter of trying to do things in a personal way.

Although "The Blackcrow" can't be called a brilliant album, it shows that HYPNOS has a lot to offer to extreme Metal fans. But if they evolve a bit more, their music can reach a broader set of fans, for sure.