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Into The Maelstrom

    
       
       
       
     
             
HyperioN are a heavy metal band from Italy formed in 2015, releasing their debut album 'Dangerous Days' in 2017. The band toured in support of the album, sharing a stage with many bands, including the likes of Tarchon Fist, Rain and Black Phantom. A live performance of their song 'Ultimatum' was recorded and released as a video clip. 2020 will see the release of the bands second album 'Into The Maelstrom'.    
             
Featuring an undoubted sound similar to heavy metals formative years during the (glorious) eighties, HyperioN deliver a heavy riffing blend of head bangingly addictive metal to get the pulse racing... Maelstrom, as defined by an internet based dictionary is "a powerful whirlpool" - and while HyperioN aren't taking us on an adventure to a water park, they do take us on a powerful forty five minute journey of explosive heavy metal. Opening with the title song 'Into The Maelstrom', the album quickly thunders into its stride. A heavy hitting and fairly blunt romp, 'Into The Maelstrom' hits with power and force, bashing heads and pummelling the senses. A blistering opening, HyperioN power on with the catchy and more melodic 'Ninja Will Strike'. Displaying a more power metal influence, 'Ninja Will Strike' is a cracking example of how power metal and the classic sound of traditional heavy metal can combine to create a powerful head banging anthem.    
             
And talking of anthems, catchy or otherwise, 'Driller Killer' is a scorcher. Travelling at a pace more at home in the speed metal genre, 'Driller Killer' is a head bangers dream - full of pace with a infectious sing a long able chant style chorus. 'Driller Killer' must surely become a new fans favourite in concert sing a long... 'The Maze Of Polybius' is a more up front and in your face hard hitting foot stomp. Mid paced and mid tempo, 'The Maze Of Polybius' hits as hard as a heavyweight boxing champion going all out for a first round knockout. 'From The Abyss' is the shortest song on offer, and displays the iconic buzzing guitar sound, so synonymous with the NWOBHM evolution during the eighties. A mid tempo melodic march, 'From The Abyss' changes pace midway through, jogging its way to a conclusion - and, by the way, 'From The Abyss' is an instrumental.    
             
'Bad Karma' has the most atmospheric opening of any song on offer, showing a menacing side to HyperioN not seen anywhere else on the album. Eventually, 'Bad Karma' does show a clean pair of heels, racing off like a scared cat. I also can't get the feeling that there is a small trace of the blues tucked in there too... And the mid tempo, big riffing, anthemic foot stomping style rises up high, as 'Fall After Fall' buzzes to life, and swaggers on like it owns the place. HyperioN are showcasing many facets of the heavy metal genre, keeping both feet firmly planted inside its borders. At over nine minutes in length, 'The Ride Of Heroes' is by far and away the longest song on offer, displaying characteristics similar to the longer songs Iron Maiden are well known for. The epic and atmospheric nature, coupled with NWOBHM sounding guitars. and the majestic striding of the songs rhythm, make for an entertaining and addictive listen. The album is brought to a storming close with 'Bridge Of Death'. The fastest song on offer, 'Bridge Of Death' is fast and furious as it powers on to a conclusion.    
             
Overall, a storming album of hard hitting heavy metal, addictive and infectious, 'Into The Maelstrom' will appeal massively to the heavy metal traditionalists.    
             
             
Review by Iron Mathew Collins    
             
Reviewed for Fighter Records    
             
             
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