Kyshera: Circle

Having read in the press release for the third album, Circle, from Welsh alt-rockers Kyshera that teen-metal-music-mag Rock Sound and Huw Stephens from Radio 1 had been extolling this band's virtues, I kind of wondered if there would be anything here to snag my interest. However when Black Sabbath legend Tony Iommi announces Kyshera are "One of the best bands in the UK today", then you have to take notice. So I did and I'm glad.

Circle is an eclectic beast. Snarly and jagged enough to capture the youngsters, yet bold, brash and with enough riff laden rides to make the oldsters equally enthralled. Yes, there's the odd scream and the beats bounce and pop in a way which begs "play me on Kerrang! TV!!!". However where this band hit the money is by combining the different elements they possess and making them into cohesive outbursts. It sounds simple but the likes of "Full Circle" or "Gone" prove that it's possible for a band to use older influences and brush them up neatly for a modern audience. In fact the latter of those two tracks could easily have found itself on a 30 Seconds To Mars album and yet (and they might not thank me for this) replace the excellent vocals from James Kennedy with those of a certain Mr Bon Jovi and it really wouldn't be out of place on one of his (they're not a band anymore) latter day albums. However if it's a slap of full on energy you're seeking, then jive with the sparky bite of "Napoleon", while the deep growl and hypnotic breakdowns of "Behind These Lies" will slake any rock my roll thirst with ease.

Unusually in this sphere Kyshera have served up a conceptual piece, an album that takes the trip from hopeful zero, to lauded hero, to despairing superstar and back again. It's pulled off well both in terms of the push and pull lyrics and the shove and seduce sounds. One minute this band are grooving through the floor, the next they're gently cradling you in their arms before grabbing you by the shoulders and shaking you from your glazed state. And this from a band, who according to those in the know, have tamed their attack since album number two, Made In China!

Kennedy is immense, firing out killer riffs, searing with standout solos and leading from the front with a varied, assured and believable vocal attack. Add in bass from Matt Warr which is as likely to hustle to the forefront of the sound as it is simply nail everything down and a sterling showing from new drummer Glyn Bateman and Kyshera have all the elements in place to succeed. If there's any justice, mainstream success beckons, while revered nods from those with a keener eye for a cracking rock act will remain in place – something not many can truly achieve. Here's hoping Kyshera will....

Track Listing
1. Napoleon
2. Behind These Lines
3. Demon
4. Gone
5. The Wrong Size
6. Break This
7. Endgame
8. Coma
9. Inertia
10. Helen
11. Full Circle
12. The End

Added: April 25th 2015
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Kyshera online
Hits: 1925
Language: english

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