Through Centuries

Often a band or album succeeds not so much through 'originality' (an overused word if there ever was one), but through a reevaluation of typical aesthetics. Even the simplest spin or addition to a time-proven formula, when combined with quality songwriting, can result in something that is perhaps not new, but different and engaging in it's own right. Hyperion, an atypical death metal band hailing from the Ukraine, demonstrates this concept quite well on their debut EP, 'Through Centuries'.

Hyperion, while operating from a fairly standard death metal base, add sufficient elements to stylize their music and make it (at least to some degree) unique. This is a very pure form of melodic death metal, where influences from traditional metal aren't used in the Gothenburg style of the genre, but are manipulated and reinserted into a death metal framework, where there is no diversion between the two styles, but an amalgamation that results in what is quite simply a more melodically developed and inclined form of the genre. Hyperion, however, takes it a step further, incorporating epic, atmospheric elements in the form of classical-styled melodies and well-used keyboards to advance the quality of their compositions.

Are they successful in this attempt? To some degree, yes. Hyperion's combination of advanced melodic development and impressive technical skill (see the title track for it's clever shifts between all-out blasting and other dynamic movements) often come together for some sublime movements, such as on 'Creators Of Absurd'. The melodies this band creates are simultaeneously modern yet ancient, having a timeless, medievel quality to them that that seperates them from the legions of bands adding now-stale folk elements to their songs. The level of skill that this band possesses with their respective instruments is most certainly notable; for such a young band, Hyperion have the technicality and timing of many bands their senior. Overall, 'Through Centuries' is quite a capable little EP.

However, like all things, the mCD not without it's faults. For one, the songs, while of high quality, are not very good at maintaining their identities. Often the album feels like it is one large, dynamically changing song that, while good in some ways, isn't the way it was designed. Also, the band is often overcome by itself, when it's multiple stylistic influences overtake the core, scattering focus between multiple ideas instead of maintaining a coherent narrative. However, these are minor quibbles, particularly with such a young and promising artist.

Hyperion, while still rough around the edges, has all the necessary features to go far. Their combination of pure death metal with unique melodic concepts assures a maintained interest that goes far beyond the mere novelty that is seen so frequently.

(Originally written for www.vampire-magazine.com)