BY STEVE THIRIOT
In a sonic landscape littered with bands struggling to find a unique voice, CYHRA’s latest offering, "The Vertigo Trigger," smashes through the cacophony with the vehemence of a wrecking ball. Building on their critically acclaimed albums, "Letters To Myself" and "No Halos In Hell," CYHRA hits a home run, blending familiar ground with fresh terrains of musical exploration.
Founded by Jake E (ex-AMARANTHE) and Jesper Strömblad (ex-IN FLAMES), CYHRA was already off to a promising start. With the addition of lead guitarist Euge Valovirta (ex-SHINING) and drummer Alex Landenburg (KAMELOT), the band feels like a powerhouse conglomerate of musicians who have mastered the fine art of channeling their strengths into a single, coherent vision.
"Ready To Rumble": Launching with audacious might, this track sets the pace. Jake E’s vocals are a storm, asserting dominance from the first note. The instrumentation surges with a blend of pulsing rhythms and riffs that embody the track's title - it truly is a rumble.
"Let’s Have My Story Told": A poignant reflection, this track seems to touch upon Jake’s personal journey. The melodious chorus contrasts the heavy riffs, creating a landscape of introspection and resilience.
"Live A Little": With a zest for life, this anthem is all about embracing the now. It’s infectious, with a chorus that's bound to get arenas singing along.
"1,000,000 Fahrenheit": Scorching with intensity, this number epitomizes the union of electronica and metal. The synth elements evoke a sense of futuristic urgency that complements the fiery vocals.
"Buried Alive": Haunting and atmospheric, the song delves into darker territories. The melancholic undertones and emotive guitar solos make this a standout track.
"The Voice You Need To Hear": A call to self-awareness and realization, the song boasts of a chorus that's both compelling and catchy. A slightly stripped down arrangement but no less impactful; that slices through with melody with precision.
"Life Is A Hurricane": Amidst the chaos, CYHRA finds beauty. This track is a hair more aggressive and seems to be an ode to life’s unpredictable nature, acknowledging its ups and downs with grace and gusto.
"IF I": I sense a bit of influence from Jake's Prior band Amaranthe on this track. The layered instrumentation coupled with the poignant lyrics makes this a deeply immersive track.
"Fear Of Missing Out": Energetic and relatable, we all have FOMO. It's a relatable title. This track feels like a nod to the digital age and our shared anxieties. The pulsating rhythm captures the essence of contemporary dilemmas perfectly. The guitar in this track will give you all the feels.
"Ashlight": Arguably a stand out track of the album. Ethereal, atmospheric, and grandiose, this song showcases CYHRA’s ability to craft epic soundscapes. The build-up to the climax is cinematic in its grandeur.
"Too Old For Fairy Tales": Closes the album on a high note. The blistering guitar work and evocative vocals ensure the album concludes with elegance and grace.
The only regret you might have about "The Vertigo Trigger" is that it wasn't released earlier to shake you out of your pandemic doldrums. This album proves that CYHRA is no longer just a band formed by ex-members of other successful bands; they are now a force to be reckoned with on their own terms.
With "The Vertigo Trigger," CYHRA cements their place not just as veterans of the genre but as pioneers, daring to stretch the boundaries of what melodic metal can achieve. This is not just an album; it's an emphatic statement, and one that you'd be sorry to miss out on.
Listen to the Album on SPOTIFY