EPK – HYPERIA – The Serpent’s Cycle (2023)

EPK – HYPERIA – The Serpent’s Cycle (2023)

Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com

“The Serpent’s Cycle marks a new era for Hyperia. This album has some of the most aggressive thrash metal we’ve ever written paired with lots of melodic vocal and guitar work. It consists of everything Hyperia stands for shred, speed, and intricacy.  

We have pushed boundaries on our music and evolved our sound into what we consider the pinnacle so far of what we’ve created. We’ve taken the elements that we’ve used in the past and brought them out even more, while at the same time creating a seamless interaction between all elements to create a signature sound for the band.

I’ve never personally been more proud of an album and can’t wait to release it to the world!” – Colin Ryley – Hyperia

For fans of Exmortus, Municipal Waste, Havok, Lost Society, Children Of Bodom

Band: Hyperia
Album Title: The Serpent’s Cycle
Release Date: November 17, 2023
Label: Self-Release

Facebook.com/Hyperiabandofficial | Instagram.com/hyperiametal

Hyperiametal.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music

What the press said about Hyperia’s 2022 Album – Silhouettes Of Horror:

“If you prefer your metal loud, dark and just a touch campy (and who doesn’t?), then Calgary-turned-Vancouver rockers Hyperia are planning to deliver with Silhouettes of Horror, the follow-up to 2020’s equally furious and equally fun Insanitorium. First single “Operation Midnight” is an unrelenting barrage of riffage held down by Marlee Ryley’s throat-blistering vocals.” – Exclaim! – One of Exclaim!’s most anticipated albums of 2022

“With their second album Silhouettes Of Horror, Canadian thrashers Hyperia doubled down on the most ferocious elements of their sound to achieve a sound that owed more than a passing nod to Tetonic thrashers Kreator or Destruction. The fact vocalist Marlee Ryley can deliver blackened snarls with as much gusto as trad-metal histrionics helped them stand out from the crowd, firmly establishing Hyperia as promising up-and-comers in the wide world of thrash. RH” – Metal Hammer – The top 10 best thrash metal albums of 2022 

“Recent Calgary-to-Vancouver transplants Hyperia are all about thrashing in a style inherent to ’80s basketball shoes, shredded denim, battle jackets and those studded gauntlets that may look cool, but are likely more responsible for  forearm rashes than being a gateway to one-night stands. Imagine classic Megadeth, “Toxic Waltz”-era Exodus, Annihilator and Anthrax alongside Exmortus, Havok, Warbringer, Violator, Crisix and others with a new-school take on an old-school sound.” – Decibel Mag

“Energetic, melodic, fast, psychotic, and dynamic are just some of the elements that make Silhouettes of Horror an album that old and new fans of thrash, NWoBHM, and power metal will appreciate. The band even included a cover homage of Abba’s Gimme Gimme Gimme.” – Sentinel Daily

“All in all, Silhouettes of Horror gave me what I want for from a modern melodic thrash album. It’s fun, it doesn’t take itself too seriously, and it’s got cool stories to tell.” – Angry Metal Guy

“You can tell these musicians study at the foot of many legendary bands for influence – combining the intensity of Slayer, Exodus, and Death Angel with the innovative musicianship of Children of Bodom, occasionally allowing the bass play of Scott DeGruyter to garner a spotlight for “Experiment 77”. Session drummer Gord Alexander pummels his kit with controlled abandon, executing fine double kick/snare sequences that drive “Prisoner of the Mind” to swinging hair windmill tendencies, while throwing down standard thrash power principles for “Operation Midnight”. Beyond killer titles like “Hypnagogia” and “Pleonexia”, the icing on top of an already enticing package lies with the fierce clean to extreme growl/scream delivery from Marlee Ryley. Venomous and slithering, you never know when she will melt paint off the walls only to hit solid melodies from her soul.8.5/10” – Dead Rhetoric

“This is one of the most exciting thrash albums I have heard in a fair few years. Hyperia have absolutely smashed it delivering an album that just keeps giving insane quality, track after track. Silhouettes of Horror is a special album and one that is so relentless, so energetic and enthusiastic that I felt out of breath just listening to it. Amazing. Do yourself a favour an make sure you grab a preorder of this excellent release from Hyperia on Bandcamp. 9/10” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life

“Closing things out with an addictive-to-listen Abba cover, Hyperia ultimately showcase that while they’re here to bring all the notions of devastation and velocity to your current surroundings, they never forgot you need to have a little fun from time to time.” – The Razor’s Edge 

“I have a long-running theory that any style of music can be immediately improved by making it just a little bit spookier, and Hyperia is the proof that it works for thrash. Regular thrash is all well and good, but add some spooky-ass melodies in there and it becomes instant Spear bait. The strings players are all on their A-game here, and there’s an inordinate amount of cool shit happening on the drums with regards to thrash, but the vocals are what hooked me off the bat. Marlee Ryley has a raw wail and a vicious scream that both play into this particular style extremely well, and it makes the whole package super enticing.” – Toilet ov Hell – Top Albums Ov 2022

“Silhouettes of Horror dropped early this year and quickly became one of my go-to albums for whenever I wasn’t sure what to put on. It’s an album that feels quintessentially “metal” to me, bearing all the traits that got me into the genre in the first place, distilled to their purest form and injected in perfectly measured doses. It’s riffs on riffs on riffs with tons of flashy shreds, a driving rhythm section, and some wild vocals. You’ve also got to respect them for being one of the only bands out there to put out a metal cover of a pop song that actually fucking rules.” – Tolet ov Hell

“It’s a vile concoction, but it bloody works. From the outset, introductory trio “Hypnagogia,” “Intoxication Therapy,” and “Experiment 77” righteously capture and highlight Hyperia‘s raison d’être: to regale us in tales of mental degradation, escapism by way of fermented imbibements, and inhumane clinical experiments. These three cuts slice and dice in quick, surgical slashes that will leave most listeners bleeding heavily and begging for more mauling. Thankfully, Hyperia had only onslaught in mind, as closing trio “Silhouettes of Horror,” “Operation Midnight” and “Pleonexia” close out the main story with a tempest of scalpels and scotch, infusing every moment of their horror-oriented exhibits with relentless fun and unhinged performances across the board. Even the cover of ABBA‘s “Gimme Gimme Gimme” that the band pinned to the tail of the record wins, thanks to faithful reproduction of that song’s big hook and an enthusiastic vocal delivery.” – Angry Metal Guy

“this album is the perfect blend of terror and thrash that blends well to create something uniquely familiar. It hits all the musical notes you’re after, while still indulging in a few out of this world solos and combos that are to die for. Favourite Tracks: Experiment 77, Silhouettes of Horror” – Metal Goddesses

“Classic metal / thrash / prog-ish metal, big voices, harsh thrashy stuff… great stuff!!” – The Mosh Pit 89.9FM (Madison, WI)

“this is neck-wrenchingly good riffage delivered through a neat production as tracks such as ‘Experiment 77’, ‘Terror Serum’ and ‘Operation Midnight’ show a band in full throttle having all the hallmarks of Havok and Warbringer and Exodus. Yet, there is so much more here than just another thrash album, the melodic death touches bring in elements of Arch Enemy whilst the virtuoso guitaring and powerful is a call to arms for Exmortus fans. However, what stands tall here are the banshee vocals of Marlee Ryley who brings all the energy of Noora Louhimo as well as fellow Canadian Brittney Slayes from Unleash the Archers.” – Metal Digest

“No question, the Canadians know exactly what they want and like each of the eleven tracks. The 50 minutes of playing time fly by without boredom” – Saitenkult

“HYPERIA have grit, they have fire and they have passion that you cannot buy. Their music is ferocious, at times wild to the point of anarchic but “Silhouettes Of Horror” is an album well worth checking out, especially if you like your female vocals with guts and your thrash with a dirty death metal undercurrent.” – Female Fronted Power

“She’s (vocalist Marlee Ryley) got quite the powerful screams that’ll rip your ears off at times… Overall the album is heavy and fast and packs a lot of punch…” The Metal Crypt

“Do you believe in government experiments and conspiracy theories? Are you a diehard fan of first-class Thrash Metal? If your answer is yes to one or both of these questions, then Hyperia have exactly what’s needed to put a huge smile on your face while you raise your horns to the demented music found in their excellent new album, leaving us all eager for more of their wicked creations in the nearby future. Best moments of the album: Intoxication Therapy, Experiment 77, Whitecoat and Operation Midnight.” – The Headbanging Moose

“Silhouettes of Horror offers an extreme range of musical strength, to which all musicians contribute their full strength. Vocals in the perfect alternation between growling and clean vocals complement the experimental solos and riffs to an hour of music that entertains the listener very well and leaves them with neck pain. Whopping 9 / 10” – Soundmagnet.eu

“I’m still amazed when discovering such a powerful band… the band is bringing us a very good album to set on top of the Thrash Metal pile to listen to every day.10/10” – The Metal Mag

“Silhouettes Of Horror is so damn good for me. For once no cheerful party thrash, but an old school dark, heavy album brimming with classic ingredients, each convincing for itself, and together they form a beautiful sum. As far as I’m concerned, Hyperia has done a great job” – Wings of Death

“There is a thrill, there is energy, there is a claw, and there is no shortage of interesting melodies or riffs. The album is aimed at those who long for real heavy metal power… This album is destructive and will be remembered for a long time. Hyperia has released a really thoughtful and refined album that will unite fans of heavy metal and thrash metal.” – Power Metal Warrior

“At the crossroads of thrash and death, Hyperia offers a solid album with “Silhouettes Of Horror”. The band shows great qualities and has the weapons to break through in the middle of the pack of young wolves who are candidates to take over from the old ones.” – Music Waves

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Band: Hyperia
Album Title: The Serpent’s Cycle
Release Date: November 17, 2023
Label: Self-Release

Track Listing:
1. Ego Trip (4:41)
2. Automatic Thrash Machine (4:02)
3. Prophet of Deceit (4:16)
4. Psychosomatic (4:29)
5. The Serpent’s Cycle (5:04)
6. Trapped in Time (3:58)
7. Spirit Bandit (4:04)
8. Eye for an Eye ( 4:47)
9. Binge & Surge (3:44)
10. Deathbringer (5:31)
11. Crazy On You [Heart Cover] (5:03)
Album Length: 49:41

Album Credits:
– All songs performed by: Hyperia
– All songs written by: Colin Ryley, except Trapped in Time co-written with David Kupisz
– All lyrics by: Marlee Ryley
– Mixed by: Colin Ryley
– Mastered by: Mika Jussila
– Member of SOCAN
– Canadian Content MAPL
Album Band Line Up:
Marlee Ryley – Vocals
Colin Ryley – Guitars
Jon Power – Bass
Ryan Idris – Drums

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About The Album Artwork

The album artwork was created by our close friend Caitlin Delaplace. It portrays a shadow figure in a yellow apocalyptic, cloudy snake pit. In front of the figure is an Ouroboros, a symbol of a snake devouring its own tail representing the eternal cycle of death and rebirth. At the top is a snake’s eye in the form of a moon.

About Th Album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)

This is the first album we’ve released that isn’t much of a concept album like our first 2. There are still underlying themes that recur throughout the record, but the album isn’t focused around it nearly as much as the previous releases. This album deals with different lyrical ideas such as the human condition, philosophy, psychology, partying, and much more.

Musically this album is insanely aggressive, technical, and fast. We have some of the fastest songs we’ve ever written on this album and during recording, we were all definitely pushed to, and sometimes past, our limits. In the end it all came together and I think everyone is very proud of the work they put into it.

Track By Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)

Ego Trip – This song starts off the album with a haunting clean intro and then explodes into heavy-hitting chaos. It sets the tone for the whole album, bringing lots of aggression while allowing space for melody to shine through as well. Super fast double kicks and heavy chugging are also prevalent throughout the track. Lyrics are regarding how the ego gets in the way of finding out the truth.

Automatic Thrash Machine – A tongue-in-cheek nod to our favourite party thrash songs, this is a track that shows the fun side of the band. It is also accompanied by a keg-fueled party music video that shows people what to expect when they see the band live.

Prophet Of Deceit – This track brings us back into a serious mood, starting off with blistering guitar into a full-force attack of drums. The working title for this song was “Shredlord Supreme”, which should give you an idea of what to expect. This song is about the problems we have with certain members of society and gaslighting.

Psychosomatic – This song might have one of the most complex structures of any song we’ve written. There’s lots of progression throughout, laced with a bouncy chorus and an intricate neo-classical C-Section – This song was written with the intent to express how the medical system does not take patients seriously.

The Serpent’s Cycle – This was one of the first tracks we completed and have played it at a number of shows across western Canada. It’s your typical Hyperia song, fast, thrashy, and heavy. It’s pretty balls to the wall and then releases at the chorus with a catchy melody. The title track of the album is about how we live the same life over and over again but sometimes we make a different choice which creates a new dimension.

Trapped In Time – Trapped In Time has a fairly straightforward song structure and has some pretty old-school thrash elements throughout it. It’s also the only song with pretty much all cleaner vocals and leans towards 80s heavy metal at some parts. The main character in this song gets trapped in time trying to redo their life choices.

Spirit Bandit – This song starts out with a cool classical melody that came from a random warm-up Colin used to play. It also includes the fastest vocals we’ve ever written. It’s super fast and just when you think it’s about to give up you get pounded with the next section. This song is about a narcissist that wreaks havoc wherever they go.

Eye for an Eye – This is hands-down the heaviest song we’ve ever written. The song starts with a slow death metal riff and continues its pace until the C-Section where a bass lead brings us into a more typical Hyperia riff. The antagonist of this story is being haunted by the ghost that they killed and the ghost is seeking revenge.

Binge & Surge – What’s a thrash metal album without at least 2 party songs? Binge & Surge is another insanely fast song about drinking and thrashing.

Deathbringer – Another unusual song from the band, this song has very strong black metal influences throughout. Lyrically it revolves around Maha Kali, a Hindu goddess of death and destruction.

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Story Angles – Fun Facts About The Band:

1. Singer Marlee Ryley and Guitarist Colin Ryley are married. They started the band in 2018 after returning from a 13-month honeymoon in Europe and Asia

2. This album features Ryan Idris on drums who is the touring drummer for Heathen.

3. Every Hyperia release has been almost fully produced, recorded, and mixed by guitarist Colin Ryley, whose main job outside of the band is Sound Design and Composing for TV Series and Films.

4. Hyperia moved from Calgary, AB to Vancouver, BC during Covid to reach a wider audience with their band, along with other personal reasons.

5. Much of the lyrical themes in Hyperia’s songs revolve around the psychological and mental illnesses that Marlee Ryley has experienced.

L-R – Colin Ryley – Guitars, Marlee Ryley – Vocals, Ryan Idris – Drums, Jon Power – Bass
Photo Credit – Caitlin Delaplace

HYPERIA is a Melodic Thrash Metal band known for their wailing vocals, shredding guitars, and fast, heavy drums. The band was formed in 2018 by husband-wife duo Colin and Marlee Ryley. HYPERIA combines elements of aggressive thrash with intricate guitar melodies alongside a wide variety of vocal styles. 

In January 2020, HYPERIA released their debut full-length album “INSANITORIUM”. The band celebrated their release at a 300-person sold-out show in their original hometown of Calgary, Canada. 

In 2022, HYPERIA released their sophomore album “SILHOUETTES OF HORROR”, which received rave reviews from both critics and fans alike. The album put the band on the list of Metal Hammer’s Top 10 Albums of 2022. 

In June 2023, recording of their third album commenced which is scheduled to be released in November this year.  HYPERIA has had the honour of sharing the stage with bands such as Soulfly, Toxic Holocaust, Omnium Gatherum, Exmortus, Paladin, and many more.

Hyperia is:
Marlee Ryley – Vocals
Colin Ryley – Guitars
Jon Power – Bass
Ryan Idris – Drums

Discography:
2023 – The Serpent’s Cycle – LP
2022 – Silhouettes Of Horror – LP
2020 – Insanitorium – LP
2019 – Fish Creek Frenzy – EP

Tour and Festivals:
2023 – Cosmic Horror Tour – Western Canada
2023 – Hyperspace Metal Festival – Vancouver, BC
2023 – New Year’s Winterfest – Vancouver, BC
2022 – Loud As Hell Festival – Drumheller, AB
2022 – Armstrong Metal Festival – Armstrong, BC