ALBUM REVIEW: A Disconnect – The Hyena Kill

A lot has changed over the years for Manchester-based rockers THE HYENA KILL since their self-released debut album Atomised back in 2016. They have since grown into a four piece and are ready to take the world by storm with their long awaited follow up entitled A Disconnect which is due for release on March 5th via APF Records. Will this release be exactly what they needed to take that step up to the next level?

Septic creates an unnerving atmosphere with ominous whirring and mechanical glitching that bursts into the raucous drumming and powerful wall of guitars that kick start Passive Disconnect. Melodic, distorted vocals slot seamlessly into the simmering intensity. The ebbing and flowing energy keeps you guessing as to where the track may lead next. The boisterous screams which follow will rattle your eardrums. Cauterised offers up cathartic instrumentation that possesses a particularly alluring charm. It gently washes over you but still contains flourishes of added bite and energy. This track is the perfect opportunity to close your eyes and just let the music take hold.

Witness takes a more lively approach with snappy drumming and throwing some enticing hooks that hit that sweet spot. As the track gains momentum darker elements begin to seep in. Close Enough provides some tempting bass lines alongside pockets of groove ridden riffing that give this piece a sudden surge of adrenaline. Thin changes the pace with some solemn acoustic tones and emotive vocal work which has a vulnerable, raw quality that grabs your focus. As its predecessor leaves you feeling rather awestruck Bleached pounces on you with blistering riffing and ridiculously catchy hooks that are a guaranteed hit if fed to a hungry live crowd. It’s just a shame it only lasts a notch over two minutes.

Glass Scene once again changes the pacing with a round of evocative atmospherics that send shivers down your spine with their haunting nature. The swarming guitars create an enveloping post-rock vibe that feels like utter escapism. Incision lets its emphatic drum beats lead the way alongside sparse guitar notes. The energy levels spike dramatically at certain intervals in the track to accompany the brooding tension. As we approach the final curtain Mire dishes up an almost full-circle reprisal of the introductory glitching which puts you on edge, wondering what is going to be lurking around the corner. This album has educated us in the art of expecting the unexpected and just as you expect it to come hurtling in with another ferocious wave it instead brings forth some serene, minimalistic tones with floating, delicate vocal segments to soothe your soul before departing.

THE HYENA KILL have proven they are a rare breed, offering up an intriguing blend of styles which keeps you fixated on what is unfolding, leaving you poised with baited breath to see what the next chapter brings. A Disconnect covers a variety of relatable topics that are sure to resonate with the listener and they are executed in a fearless and provoking fashion that shows they aren’t afraid to get experimental. This release will surely have them rocketing up everyone’s ‘must see’ list when the live scene makes its triumphant return.

Rating: 9/10

A Disconnect is set for release on March 5th via APF Records.

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