Customer Reviews

Defying the Rules

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

there is no doubt about this one, it blew me away the first time i heard it and it still does now. The music is fast, melodic and heavy. The vocals are the best i heard since Lost Horizon's debut. The song writing gets a A+ and the production is meaty and clear. These guys play power metal the way it should be played, no cheesy lyrics, no keyboards to get in the way, and no progressive "orchestrations" gee whiz, come on. I am not only a metal reviewer, i am also a listener, I gurantee this one to all who listen to metal. Thank God, somebody finally got it right.

Hibria-Defying the Rules
4
By:Clifford Newsted

Hibria is an excellent band from Porto Alegre Brazil, their record is entitled Defying the Rules.
While the artwork is a bit on the cheesy side, never judge the book by it's cover, as what lies within will smoke most power metal bands out there now. Power metal is a genre that is dominated primarily by the European market, it's pleasant to get a perspective from other countries. Hibria are a band that molds the traditional power metal in the vein of Helloween, Maiden, Priest and Saxon, then throws in some modern elements that you'd find in a Startovarius or Hammerfall release. Fans of old school guitar shredding will love Defying the Rules, that's not to say that's the highlight of the record. All of the musicians are top notch players, strong vocal performance, great riffs, the lyrical side is the weak link, but can be forgiven. If you're looking at for something old and something new, score a copy of Defying the Rules, if it doesn't get you the first time, listen again, it will grow on you.

4.5 stars. Upon first listen the music on this album thottled me senseless and bashed in my skull with its speed and powerful production. There are fantastic solos, a great vocalist that belts out mid-range notes only to blindside you with a phenomenal sustained scream, and lots of Progressive elements that become more discernable upon repeated spins. As for the lyrical content I actually enjoy all the "Mad Max"-style apocalyptic future themes as it is a much different take for Power Metal to embrace than the typical fantasy storylines that seem to saturate the genre. As far as the musicianship goes the work here is stellar; and it is especially refreshing to here a bass player that can not only be heard in the mix but shows incredible talent besides. Hibria's style reminds me of peak-era Judas Priest on large doses of crystal meth mixed with modern day Power Metal titans who incorporate elements of Progressive Metal. The future of this band looks absolutely incandescent! Color me impressed. Recommended.

As far as power metal goes, this is top notch. You NEED to get this, Hibria is one of those bands that you want to keep to yourself because they are so good. I feel this way about a lot of power metal bands, Insania being one of them. The cool thing about this album is that some moments seem as if you are listening to 80's metal with twice the speed, while others you are listening to a modern power metal approach. And not to mention the solos, which aren't formularatic at all. I cannot describe this band well enough, but I guess the only way to hear them is to buy them, or at least listen to some samples. I'm sure you will be impressed.

This is Hibria's debut album but it doesn't sound like a freshman endeavor. These guys are Good and I mean Good. From the soaring vocals to the acrobatic guitar work to the pulse pounding drums and the snarling bass this album delivers the goods almost better than Amazon delivered the actual CD to my door. Words are not going to convince you any better than actually listening to this album so order a copy now. I recommened buying it on CD instead of just downloading it because you'll want to hold this thing in your hand and browse through the cool comic style artwork that comes with the insert. Great Stuff!

This album is just fantastic. A friend lent it to me and it blew me away. The songs are powerful and catchy, they are all pretty long (6 mins average) and they all feature at least 2 different parts, no song follows the typical 3-minute structure "intro / verse / verse / chorus / solo / verse / chorus / end". And I like some complexity in my music.

The style is typical power metal, but with a more noticeable Iron Maiden influence (what's not to like?).

And last but not least - the bass player is insane! He is high up there with Steve Harris and Markus Grosskopf. He is stunning. And the 2 lead guitars are great too, so the attack and musical excellence these guys have is hard to believe, you have to have this album. Yes, the singer and drummer are also very good, but the bass player and guitarists are out of this galaxy.

Must have it.

Pretty simple ..... amazing vocals, amazing guitar work, and a stand out bass player. Kinda like dragonforce - but the vocals are far more powerful and the guitar work is not as over the top with trickery. but still super technical and very melodic harmonies and solos. The stand out to me was the bass player .... sounds weird ? bass sweeps, bass riffs ..... off the walls, just a great great band. and the drummer is amazing too . worth every penny.

I am quite happy with the purchase of this album, by their name and song titles, I was hoping for something that rocked. And this album delivers everything I wanted. Great vocals, fast and furious guitar, bass and drums. If you like something that rocks, gives this album a try. I don't believe you'll be disapponited.