Forming in 2010, Hybris already have quite the pedigree in the UK metal scene. This is due to the fact their members consist of former members of sludge monsters Centurions Ghost, a former member from classic heavy metal crew Stuka Squadron, as well as a former member of black metal crew Abgott. However, don’t let their past musical tastes fool you into thinking this is some filthy crawling doomy/black/heavy hybrid, as Hybris play a pounding, old school balls out thrash style with progressive leanings. ‘Heavy Machinery’ is their debut album, and I must say it’s a feast of uncompromising shredding and slamming from the very off.
The great thing about their sound is the fact they meld the classic bay area sound with the angrier fist in the face that is its twisted Teutonic brethren. Add in a proggy-ness which rings of Atheist’s debut album, touches of Voivod’s strangeness, Sadus’ skull cracking attack and blinding sparks of US tech thrashers Realm in the rangy riffage, and I soon found my old neck alight with that reflex snapping motion, kicking in the instant a killer riff hits eardrum. Although the production is modern, that is all that is up to date about Hybris’ sound. Had this had shitty production, then been secretly filtered into the 80s thrashers collective consciousness as a ‘recently unearthed’ album from 1989, it would be quite believable judging by the overall classic tone of the album. This isn’t a load of retro thrash cobblers, it’s the real deal. No big unnecessary melodic sections, watered down breaks or wanton clean cut sections – just pure thrashing goodness. As it is, it’s particularly punchy in the guitar and drum areas, which when coupled with impressive roaming bass lines that would likely make Steve DiGiorgio blush, really makes for a real throat grabbing attack.
As a whole the album takes a really commanding approach, with plenty of clenched fists, gritted teeth and heads banged. Opening with an instrumental track which really sets the scene for what is to follow, the first track proper ‘Hypertube’ kicks in with its fist pumping aggressive riffage and spidery intricate sections quickly sinking themselves into your mind, never to loosen their grip. Add in the constantly ripping solo work, the melodic wailing heard at the end of ‘Hubris’, the finger knotting technicality of ‘Insidious’ and the apocalyptic eeriness of album closer ‘Cult of Doom’, and you can see why there’s so much to like in multi-faceted greatness that is their attention-grabbing sound.
This is most impressive for a debut release, and certainly an album to awaken the hidden thrasher in even the most jaded of ears. If you’re fed up of waiting for a new Coroner or Toxik release, Hybris are a great alternative – standing up strong against the old school in their own right, and cracking heads in their own classy style. Check it out!
(8.5/10 Lars Christiansen)
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