A super group of sorts, Sweden’s CYHRA deliver their third long player, “The Vertigo Trigger”. Following on from 2017’s “Letters To Myself” and 2019’s “No Halos In Hell”, they find themselves exploring darker territory. Formed by Amaranthe vocalist Jake E and In Flames’ Jesper Strömblad, the band have carved out a solid following and reputation. A mash up of progressive, symphonic metal and not forgetting the riffage, they’re seeking to continue that unique sound.
With a definite ‘80’s, synth driven sound “Ready To Rumble” provides a very danceable opening track full of “woah-oh-woah’s” and would seem to be an instant crowd pleaser. The pace and bombast of the early tracks has a definite symphonic metal feel but there’s a certain luxurious aura that almost has a nightclub vibe. Things get a bit more riffy on “1,000,000 Fahrenheit” and the harder hitting “Buried Alive”. Lyrically the atmosphere is darker and Jake E’s delivery has the smooth style of Ghost’s Tobias Forge. The pop sensibilities return on “The Voice You Need To Hear” and there’s a sense that the album continues to grow stronger as it progresses.
Punchy riffs and squalling lead guitar give “Life Is A Hurricane” a more contemporary metal feel that combines well with the jagged, spikiness of “If I”. These two tracks provide the album highlights to these ears. There’s definitely more a sense of grandiosity on the latter tracks with those synths providing a spacious aura on “Ashlight”. The smooth flows injected with chunky guitar give the track an expansive quality before the closing warmth of “Too Old For Fairy Tales”.
There’s a solid consistency and melodicism throughout “The Vertigo Trigger”. The production is rich and immersive complementing the musicianship and songwriting. There’s a very accessible feel to the album as a whole that will surely please their growing fanbase.
(7/10 Johnny Zed)
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