From Magic Records comes a relatively new power heavy metal band called Hibria, hailing from Brazil. Momma always said never to judge a book by its cover, and that old adage is certainly true here. Upon first look at the album cover and liner notes, and seeing cartoonish characters battling it out on motorcycles in a broken down city, my first thought was that these guys must be pretty cheesy. After all, the illustrations look like they were taken right out of a child's comic book.
But then I read the advertising sticker which reads "A must have for fans of Iced Earth, Hammerfall, Manowar, Iron Maiden, & Helloween", so I figured, why not give it a chance. And when I did, the very first song "Steel Lord On Wheels" knocked me right out of my chair!! It did not take me long to see that Hibria possessed the same qualities as Primal Fear, a power metal band that impressed me a long time ago with their no nonsense, tear your face off style of heavy metal. These guys literally shred and burn (barnburners, that is) from start to finish on this disc. Anybody looking for a power ballad on this disc need not apply. For me to go through a song by song analysis would be pointless, but the point is that if you are a fan of the heavier aspects of Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Primal Fear, Hammerfall, Helloween, etc., then this CD is definitely for you. All nine tracks feature great dual guitar shredding, high speed drumming, and great vocals. The only slight letup occurs on the last song, "Stare At Yourself", which features a synth intro, but that doesn't even last long, as Hibria goes back to kicking butt.
From the excellent lead vocals of Iuri Sanson, to the exceptional twin axe attack of Diego Kasper and Abel Camargo, plus the very Steve Harris-like bass lines of "A Kingdom to Share" by bassist Marco Panichi, and not to forget the great heavy metal backbeat set forth by drummer Savio Sordi, these guys are the real deal. For those looking to attend some of the European metal festivals next summer, keep a sharp lookout for Hibria. You will not be disappointed.
Track Listing
1. Steel Lord On Wheels
2. Change Your Life Line
3. Millennium Quest
4. A Kingdom To Share
5. Living Under Ice
6. Defying The Rules
7. The Faceless In Charge
8. High Speed Breakout
9. Stare At Yourself
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