HYSTERICA – The Art Of Metal

The all female band, Hysterica is back with a vengeance on their second full length album. The follow up to their 2009 release, Metalwar, portrays the band’s significant growth as they have evolved to make, what could be arguably one of the finest releases of 2012. The Art Of Metal holds true to its title by being a definitive masterpiece of many different aspects of modern day Metal. The five women that make up this band not only produce outstanding songs, but have extraordinary musical skills which go far beyond any stereotype of an all female band. This is the real deal folks!

Hysterica was formed back in 2005 by lead guitarist Bitchie, who had a vision of creating an all female band that was different and innovative. She recruited a lead singer by the name of Sinderella (better known as Liv from the band Sister Sin), who left the band before recording their debut album. Bitchie then settled on current lead singer Anni De Vil, who sings with a similar aggressive style as Sinderella a.k.a. Liv, but with a much greater range and more intense emotion. The sound of Metalwar was primarily comprised of Classic Metal with a traditional twin lead guitar formula. It was a good album, but it was clear there was something missing.

In 2010, guitarist Rockzilla left the band and Hysterica took a different turn as they began to record The Art Of Metal. They recruited keyboardist Marydeath and henceforth began to create a new and stronger sound by combining guitar with keyboards. Additionally, vocalist Anni De Vil incorporated a Swedish Extreme Metal style into her already impressive sinister and theatrical talents. All of this makes for a grandiose metal combination that is both raw and heartfelt, with ten tracks of undaunted Metal fury.

From the opening riffs of the first track, “Breaking The Walls”, it becomes clear this album is a very powerful endeavor. It’s filled with high energy and power driven melodies. Anni De Vil delivers a perfect dose of brutal and rich, harmonic vocals. De Vil’s vocals become exquisitely excelled during the most emotional track on the album, “Message”. She proves with the acoustic, melodramatic introduction and compelling chorus that she has a divine gift which can produce some most persuasive and commanding vocals in the business.

There is absolutely nothing weak about this album, each track is influential and strong. Hysterica has discovered a faultless recipe which produces Metal that is both true and genuine. They remind us that Metal is an art form, and to produce the “art of Metal” requires talent and genius. Hysterica possesses all those qualities and more.