CD Review: Hyperion’s To Capture the Sun

by Todd Maternowski

Hyperion's 5-song debut EP is a promising one

To Capture the Sun is the first effort from DFW death metal newbies Hyperion, and, considering the relatively short time this group has been together, is quite an impressive effort. Although clocking in at a miniscule five songs, each song is well-produced, well-played and well-done: this is definitely not some fly-by-night garage metal playing two down-tuned chords a night in an attempt to get laid/wasted.

The EP's got some great track titles --Neo Eden, Warrior of Chariots, World of Two Suns-- that harken back to a time in metal when songs were written about undead armies, illusionist wizards and battling demonic creatures in ancient ruins. And from first listen it's obvious Hyperion's sound is as relentlessly aggressive as a party of berserkers assaulting an Orc encampment. Beginning with 'Silent Isles', the band initiates the album quietly before exploding into an aggressive, blast-happy bedlam. Within seconds, the band establishes their innovative calling card --non-linear chaotic timing-- which is absolutely not to be confused with talentless noise-making. Rather, Hyperion seems to take almost an experimental or jazz-metal approach to death metal, constantly changing timing and melody without abandoning any of the bloodthirsty ferocity that makes this album so different.

In 'Neo Eden' and 'World of Two Suns', the music leans a little more towards the traditional side, even throwing in an old-fashioned 80s axe-wielding guitar solo near the end of 'Neo Eden'. Similarly with 'Warrior of Chariots', in which lead singer Andrew Austin's demonic grind-howl is in full effect.

By far my favorite track of the five is the final one, 'Riddled Through Time', which combines the best aspects of the earlier songs on the album --hyperkinetic harmony and channeled aggression-- with great tonal background guitar work reminiscent of Tool, finally finishing the song with the same subdued guitar sound that early Metallica used so effectively on songs like 'Battery'.

Although very short and, at times, very raw, with To Capture the Sun Hyperion has proven beyond question that they have the talent and the drive to become something different in metal. With more live shows, time and polish there is no doubt Hyperion could become a force to be reckoned with in the metal scene.