Hibria-Silent Revenge

AFM Records
2013

Looking for modern power metal? If so Brazilian Metal band Hibria should suite your tastes. Founded in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul / Brazil back in 1996, with their 2004 debut album, "Defying The Rules", receiving (well-deserved) high-praise from both the public and the press (including here at Heavy Metal Time Machine),  Hibria's latest release is the very definition of modern power metal. Lead by a talented front-man in Iuri Sanson (no complaints when it comes to his set of lungs) the band has become well-loved in their native country as well as in Japan where they take their dedication to bands seriously. It's easy enough to understand why this sort of band would inspire that kind of blind allegiance as power metal like this remains highly respected outside of the states. You'd think that a band like this would also be embraced by Europe, but maybe it's simply a case of there being way too many good native bands there that a band from Brazil just can't break on through. Either way this band who, in addition to their lead vocalist, is down to just one other original member in guitarist Abel Camargo offer up technically sound modern power metal that is just fine and dandy. Why then does it strike me as being somewhat blah? There is the truth of the matter (that I'm not a big fan of European-style power metal), but this band, while you'd think they would be making waves in Europe, are more traditional power metal then the usual likes you'd expect to see signed up to AFM Records. But, the band has what I'd describe as more skill then style. Or at least on this album. While I did not review their debut album personally (that was all Metal Mark) I've heard it and it sure seems as if something happened to the band between album number one and this release, album number four. It's like the independent spirit is gone for these guys and it's been replaced with a modern sound and a modern production that on one hand is improved, but on the other hand it's all flash and no substance.  Fans of modern power metal could do much worse then this release, but if you're looking for more of an urgent and hungry sound then I'd hunt down their debut.