Spiritual Beast
2008
1. Tiger Punch
2. Reborn from Ashes
3. Screaming Ghost
4. Sea of Revenge
5. The Anger Inside
6. Devoted to Your Fear
7. The Skull Collectors
8. Burning All the Flags
9. Wings of Wax
The Skull Collectors is a somewhat awaited release in the power scene I would say as Hibria's debut made something of a splash and the follow up has been four years in the waiting. Their debut got quite a lot of praise from fans and critics so let's just see if this one is worthy of the same.
Hibria's sophomore effort picks up very much right where the band left off and I can't really discern any noteworthy progression. It is only the band's second release and they mostly stuck to formula on the debut though so that is not unexpected. What we have here is very straight ahead power metal aiming for speed and energy and it hits the mark for the target it sets. If you like upbeat power metal like Iron Savior or earlier Primal Fear than I can't imagine this album not being a fulfilling and headbanging experience. Vocally the singer reminds me of former Thunderstone singer Pasi Rantanen in his melodic approach with just enough edge and while I don't hear a lot of vocal variation, the approach works for the music it follows. As I said, there is a noticeable formula and the songs do sometimes blend a bit, but overall I think it works for them. Eventually, they may need to reach outside this box, but for now all is well.
Overall, this is an enjoyable listen and an album I can see myself speeding to while driving. What really identifies this band from the power metal pack is their ability to put together a good song and have a good sound. Really, if you like the energetic, straight ahead power metal take that could very well be enough and this band is worthy of checking out. It's enough for me to give The Skull Collectors a good grade.
Highlights: Reborn From Ashes, Screaming Ghost, Sea Of Revenge,
Rating - 3.5/5
2. Reborn from Ashes
3. Screaming Ghost
4. Sea of Revenge
5. The Anger Inside
6. Devoted to Your Fear
7. The Skull Collectors
8. Burning All the Flags
9. Wings of Wax
The Skull Collectors is a somewhat awaited release in the power scene I would say as Hibria's debut made something of a splash and the follow up has been four years in the waiting. Their debut got quite a lot of praise from fans and critics so let's just see if this one is worthy of the same.
Hibria's sophomore effort picks up very much right where the band left off and I can't really discern any noteworthy progression. It is only the band's second release and they mostly stuck to formula on the debut though so that is not unexpected. What we have here is very straight ahead power metal aiming for speed and energy and it hits the mark for the target it sets. If you like upbeat power metal like Iron Savior or earlier Primal Fear than I can't imagine this album not being a fulfilling and headbanging experience. Vocally the singer reminds me of former Thunderstone singer Pasi Rantanen in his melodic approach with just enough edge and while I don't hear a lot of vocal variation, the approach works for the music it follows. As I said, there is a noticeable formula and the songs do sometimes blend a bit, but overall I think it works for them. Eventually, they may need to reach outside this box, but for now all is well.
Overall, this is an enjoyable listen and an album I can see myself speeding to while driving. What really identifies this band from the power metal pack is their ability to put together a good song and have a good sound. Really, if you like the energetic, straight ahead power metal take that could very well be enough and this band is worthy of checking out. It's enough for me to give The Skull Collectors a good grade.
Highlights: Reborn From Ashes, Screaming Ghost, Sea Of Revenge,
Rating - 3.5/5
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