The latest album Cybergenesis by Italian metal band Hyperion drops this week. Releasing their debut album Dangerous Days in 2017, and their second album Into the Maelstrom in 2020; both drew positive attention from critics. However, as with many bands at that time, promotion of Into the Maelstrom stopped due to the pandemic, and it wasn’t until 2021 that they were able to return to performing.
At this point the band had a significant shift in personnel from the original line-up. Guitarist Luke Fortini left and was replaced by Francis Dipasquale (from Dypron), bassist Antonio Scalia left and was replaced by Simone Cauli, and in 2022, vocalist Michelangelo Carano decided to leave and was eventually replaced by Max Morelli (from Signum Draconis, Ladykiller).
Guitarist David Cotti remains the only founding member of the current line-up, but as the main composer and force behind Hyperion, he has ensured continuity across the line-ups – ensuring that Cybergenesis remains true to the musical roots of the band while opening up to what the newer band members can bring to the table.
Moving onto Cybergenesis itself, the opening track Deafening sets the scene for the rest of the sci-fi influenced album, and the second track, Rewire, Rebuild is where Morelli’s vocals really start to shine through; along with a full-on power riff in the bridge. You can check out the official video for the track here:
The theatrical opener to The Shackles of Chronitus continues into a slower paced yet still distinctive track. There’s also a nice bassline running through this courtesy of Cauli. The slower tempo continues into the opener of Blood Over Chrome but soon kicks back into power gear. Another notable track is Rhizome Rider with its thundering drumline, and this leads nicely into the closing track The Whole of Time which although slower, is still power-driven and has a thunderous bridge – wrapping the album up quite nicely!
Hyperion have acknowledged in the past that they take inspiration from Judas Priest, Metal Church and early Queensrÿche, but they also pay homage to some of the big names of the genre on this album; not least Iron Maiden and Helloween, while at the same time they definitely have their own sound. Strong basslines, along with power and thrash drumlines run across tracks, which when combined with good vocals and some great riffs and licks, provides a more than acceptable metal package.
I would say Hyperion are probably enjoyable metal listening for most. They offer up classic and energetic European metal that smashes head-on into power territory, but at the same time manages to tick some of the contemporary metal boxes.
Track Listing
- Deafening
- Rewire, Rebuild
- Yet We Still Fight
- The Shackles of Chronitus
- Blood Over Chrome
- Grain of Sand
- Rhizome Rider
- The Whole Time
Line-Up
- Max Morelli (Vocals)
- David Cotti (Guitars)
- Francis Dipasquale (Guitars)
- Simone Cauli (Bass)
- Francesco Madonna (Drums)
Cybergenesis is released by Fighter Records on 15th January 2026. Available to pre-order here, it will also be available on Spotify. To find out more about Hyperion you can check out their Facebook or Instagram.
“Hyperion ….. offer up classic and energetic European metal that smashes head-on into power territory, but at the same time manages to tick some of the contemporary metal boxes.”
Special Thanks to Fighter Records.
