When I listened to the sample to Where Emptiness Is All, I was so intrigued I think I responded to the call out within 5 minutes. Now, over a month later, I’m still dragging my feet over concluding a review for a 34-minute long EP.

Now, let’s not twist words. I don’t think I made a bad choice overall. While Where Emptiness Is All does display a lot of promise, Hyl’s Batushka ties are a fairly large deterrent. Though, Hyl’s drummer being a live member of Batushka (which one?!) might have something to do with it.

The EP starts off with a quick intro of Orthodox monks chanting over a mysterious background. The second track dives in quickly, sounding exactly like Freezing Moon mixed up with anything Uada’s ever done. While Hyl’s sound is not at all the rawest, it does have a certain Drudkh-esque edge to it, which is further enhanced by the vocals being not too dissimilar. However, Hyl’s preoccupation with monk chants is nearly as profound in Batushka’s, and one is treated to them once again as an outro to Into The Unknown.

Spoiler alert: the same happens with the next piece. And the next one. And the next one. And the next one (the outro).

Tracks three, four, and five almost blend into each other. They’re actually rather catchy, all things considered, but are nonetheless taking the idiom ‘not reinventing the wheel’ to new unchartered territories. And while ultimately forgettable, tracks they will definitely make you smile, nod, head-bang, or otherwise body-slam capitalism. And, isn’t that what’s most important?

Hyl are clearly musically talented but I hope this is where their ‘tribute band’ days ultimately end. Running at a length of just 34 minutes, Where Emptiness Is All, is a pleasant little release, perfect for a brief walk in the park, or as background to meal prep. After all, every little sprinkle of body-slammimg capitalism in my little daily bowl of scrum helps.

(6/10 The Flâneur)

https://www.facebook.com/HYLband

https://hylofficial.bandcamp.com/album/where-emptiness-is-all