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The wave of female-fronted Symphonic Metal has been going on for quite some time, though I'd argue we've gotten to the point where it's starting to overstay its welcome. I bring this up because Hyperia started out as another one of those bands under the name Sahasara, releasing a single EP in 2017 before changing their name and with it their direction. Judging by their debut album Insanitorium, I'd say they've changed for the better.

Hyperia play Thrash Metal that mixes in doses of Death and even a bit of punky attitude. The songs are all tight, straightforward, and fast, sounding something akin to early Slayer if their lead work was more melodious and Bay Area influenced. The production is rough and crispy, lacking most of that sterile modern polish and making the guitars front and center while even giving the bass work some breathing room, which really helps to give this band some character.

The real star of the show, however, is vocalist Marlee Ryley. She trades in her more symphonic style from Sahasara and replaces it with a mishmash of screams, growls, punk singing, Sean Killian-esque wails, and everything in between. The sheer versatility and aggression of her performance make most modern Thrash singers sound like lazy, coddled posers in comparison.

It's always good to see more Metal bands with female leads that aren't just trying to rip off Epica, and Hyperia are no exception to that. If they keep it up, odds are we're going to hear a lot about them in the future. For now, we'll just have to settle with a promising debut from a promising band.