www.facebook.com/hyperiabandofficial
From: Canada
Sounds like: Thrash Metal
Answered by Marlee Ryley (Vocals) and Colin Ryley (Lead Guitar).
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? Who thought of the name “Hyperia" and is there any meaning behind it?
Colin – I was fortunate to be born to 2 parents that were musicians so I was always around music as a kid. I started playing piano when I was young and then switched to guitar at 11 years old which I've been in love with ever since! When we started the band, we had a different name that was kinda a temporary name. Once we solidified our line up, everyone in the band came up with about 10 potential names each and Hyperia ended up sticking. The name came from a mixture of the words “Hyper” and “Hysteria” which we felt described our music well!
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
Marlee – There are a lot of parts in our lyrics that obviously come from creative story telling and not something we condone in any way. However in writing the music we hope to open discussions on mental health and the problems in our society as a whole.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
Colin – We have always described our sound as Melodic Thrash Metal. My influences for guitar playing come from Scandinavian Melodic Death metal bands which I think seperates our music a little bit from the classic thrash sound. As far as vocals, I feel we have a wide range of dynamic vocals spanning from death-metal like growls to power-metal like cleans. (thrash vocals).
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
Marlee – Crisix, Skeletonwitch, and Toxic Holocaust.
Colin – Havok, Warfect, and Arch Enemy.
5. How has Covid affected what you do as a band?
Marlee – It's been a trying time as it has been for everyone. Lots of ups and downs and big changes. We had a 2 month European tour cancelled because of Covid and we lots money because of it. However on the bright side Covid gave us time to focus on writing and perfecting our new album. We also took the opportunity to move to a whole new city. Vancouver, Canada has been good to us so far and we are excited to see what's in store.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Thrash Metal?
Colin – There have been so many cool thrash bands coming out recently, especially here in Canada. It's awesome to see the genre evolving in a natural way while at the same time remaining true to it's roots. I feel like there is so much that can be done in the realm of thrash and the possibilities are endless.
7. What’s the current music scene like locally there in Canada?
Marlee – In our hometown of Calgary, the scene is like a family to us. So much support for each other and comradery as musicians. The fans are amazing and we had so much fun playing shows. We've had some wild crowds for sure. Vancouver has also been good to us. We've played only 1 show here and it was killer. We've gone to a lot of local shows since we've moved and although it really isn't the same as pre-covid, we have been welcomed with open arms. I think everyone is just happy to be out again. Can't really speak to all Canadian cities, but I've heard most of the metal scene's are pretty solid.
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
Colin – I think the general consensus is that artists – especially metal musicians, are hugely underpaid for their work. Art is appreciated by every human but most people still think it should be done for cheap, if not completely free. The plus side of these services is that bands get way more reach and exposure than they used to, but something has to change surrounding the money distribution in the music industry.
9. What’s next for Hyperia?
Marlee - We'll release a couple of new singles before our Album “Silhouettes of Horror” comes out on March 18, 2022. Other than that we hope to tour more, depending on the state of the world of course. Fingers crossed.
10. Any shoutouts?
Gord Alexander for laying down killer drums for our new album, All of our friends from the Calgary metal scene and new friends in Vancouver, we hope to get back to playing shows and touring as soon as we can and can't wait to see you all again!
