HYPERION – Cybergenesis

HyperioN are an Italian heavy metal band formed by former drummer Jason Beghelli and guitarist Davide Cotti in 2015. Despite uneasy times for the band, which includes canceling all live events in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and several lineup changes, HyperioN carried on as usual. Though Cotti is the only remaining member of the original lineup, he leads the current lineup with confidence and dignity, making sure the band never strays far from their heavy metal roots. The lineup that plays on the album includes Cotti on guitars, Francesco Madonna on drums, Max Morelli on lead vocals, Simone Cauli on bass guitar, and Francis Dipasquale on guitars. HyperioN’s newest and third studio album, Cybergenesis (2026), will be released on January 15 through Fighter Records.

Power Metal with Lots of Adrenaline

Depending on music taste, the album could be seen as a nightmare upon first listen, but gets progressively enjoyable with two more listens. As a heads up, for those who don’t like video game guitar playing, where the guitarist tries to cram in as many notes as possible, leave immediately! In simplest terms, Cybergenesis is not a straight-up heavy metal album; it’s a full-on power metal album. Power metal can be many different things, but in HyperioN’s case, power metal is loud, rambunctious, chaotic, and over the top. Another tiny detail to mention is Morelli has a dramatic vocal style that makes him sound like a mix between an amateur actor reciting a Shakespeare monologue, and Eric Matthews from Boy Meets World when Mr. Feeny takes him to an opera house and Matthews makes fun of the opera singers. Of course, Morelli’s vocals just add to the over-the-top aspect of the music.

Cybergenesis kicks off with “Deafening,” a frantic and chaotic number that has more in common with Helloween than Judas Priest. “Rewire, Rebuild” has a cool theme about machines and metaphorically, humans can also be seen as machines. When in a monotonous state, people get caught in a “reprogram, rewind, and rebuild” routine that’s hard to break. “The Shackles of Chronitus” is a slow headbanger that has a really cool atmosphere. The bass playing is incredible and there’s a tasteful guitar lick that plays throughout the song.

The guitar playing in “Grain of Sand” is not that bad. The guitar playing is wild, but less video game style and more feeling. There’s a rebellious nature to the song and overall, it’s a good power metal anthem. “Rhizome Rider” is a speed metal banger that’s meant to be played while riding a motorcycle into the sunset. Again, the bass playing is fantastic. “The Whole Time,” bizarrely enough, sounds like an Irish drinking song, where the main protagonist prepares to go into battle with dignity. It has that slow, midtempo beat and European flair, and it’s a fun song to listen to while holding a beer and swinging it side to side.

Final Assessment

Overall, HyperioN’s Cybergenesis is a really fun album. As mentioned before, the songs are chaotic and frantic, but at least, they’re not boring. The album’s production has a nice, in-between state that works to the band’s benefit because had the songs been too polished, it would’ve been a sugar sweet power metal disaster. “Blood Over Chrome” has a gorgeous guitar intro that would’ve contributed to a nice ballad; so that was a missed opportunity. However, if interested in unapologetic power metal, give HyperioN’s Cybergenesis a chance!

Album Tracklist

1. Deafening
2. Rewire, Rebuild
3. Yet We Still Fight
4. The Shackles of Chronitus
5. Blood Over Chrome
6. Grain of Sand
7. Rhizome Rider
8. The Whole Time

Band Lineup

Davide Cotti – guitars
Francesco Madonna – drums
Max Morelli – lead vocals
Simone Cauli – bass guitar
Francis Dipasquale – guitars

Check out the lyric video for “Rewire, Rebuild” from HyperioN’s Cybergenesis!