Hyeena's debut LP has left me with mixed feelings, like a hyena scrounging for scraps—there are a few standout moments, but for the most part, it feels like you’re still left wanting more. The band is fronted by Keith Holluk, one of metalcore’s most recognized and powerful vocalists, so expectations were undoubtedly high. However, this album left me somewhat confused, especially considering their earlier debut EP had a distinct punk vibe that made me expect more of the same on this full-length release. Instead, what we get is a straightforward metalcore album, which might not be what some fans were hoping for, myself included. While it's clear that Hyeena is capable of some solid musical moments, the shift in sound felt like a departure from the raw energy of their earlier work.
The guitars on this album are riff-heavy, delivering some solid, fun moments, but ultimately, they don’t push boundaries or stand out in any significant way. The riffs are engaging, yet there’s nothing truly groundbreaking or unique to latch onto, and they can sometimes feel a bit predictable. That said, the bass is a shining star on this record. It's given a considerable amount of space to breathe, and it's used to great effect throughout the album. There are times when the bass really steals the show, adding depth and texture to the music in ways that elevate the overall sound.
The drums also have their moments, offering some interesting rhythms and patterns, but there are times when the drumming seems to disappear a bit in the mix. It’s as though they’re not given the same attention as the guitars or bass, which is a shame because when the drums do come through, they bring a nice layer of energy and drive to the music. There’s potential here, but the mixing at times doesn’t do the drums justice.
As for the vocals, Keith Holluk is undeniably talented, and his voice has always been one of the most captivating aspects of his music. However, as the album progresses, the production on his vocals takes a turn for the worse. At first, his delivery is solid, and his voice cuts through the mix with power and presence. But as we dive deeper into the album, there’s a strange washed-out, fishbowl effect applied to his vocals that becomes increasingly distracting. At times, this effect gives his voice a haunting, atmospheric quality, but it quickly becomes overused and tiresome. It’s as if the natural rawness and intensity of Keith’s vocals are being drowned out by an unnecessary effect. Honestly, I think his voice could carry most of these songs on its own without the need for this heavy-handed production choice. The effect seems to do more harm than good, pulling attention away from the strength of his voice and the emotional weight of the lyrics.
While there are some great moments sprinkled throughout the album, the overall feeling is that it leaves you hungry for more. The potential is definitely there, especially with the tight bass and Keith’s impressive vocal ability, but the overproduction and occasionally lackluster instrumentation prevent this debut from reaching its full potential. Fans of Hyeena’s earlier work may be thrown off by this shift in style, but even as a metalcore album, it feels like it doesn’t quite live up to the expectations set by the band’s past releases. There's definitely room for growth, and I’m curious to see how Hyeena will continue to evolve, but for now, this debut album feels like a rough draft in need of refinement.
RATING: 6/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
Got The Motto
Oasis
Bring On The Storm