The Hyena Kill released their debut album ‘Atomised' via Proud Cow records on 16th May, recorded at the Grand Studios in Clitheroe.
The duo of Lorna Blundell and Steven Dobb met whilst playing on the Manchester music circuit, if you’re imagining a refurbished Oasis or Stone Roses then you’ll be disappointed as The Hyena Kill blend their love of Tool, Deftones and Queens of the Stone age into a package that is very much their own patent.
After forming in the year of 2011 they started putting music out there with two EPs, 'Gush' in 2012 and 'Scrap My Bones' in 2013, this led them to finally release a full length, full on rock album, ladies and Gentleman, welcome to 'Atomised', eight tracks of hard heavy rock.
We open with ‘Crosses’, an intro of emotion where our lead vocalist screams it out until the feeling changes. Dirty guitar riffs with a stalker sense creates a great welcome to this stunning debut. 'Your loss' follows suit with aggressive guitar playing that is 'al la Deftones', the change up in vocals is very much in the mould of what Chino Moreno can do, so far a great sounding record.
'Still Sick'….I’m lost for words, which is a shame, as I’m meant to write about this album, but, woah this track is ferocious, this song is what Rick Grimes would listen to in The Walking Dead just before he went on a zombie killing spree. If I smoked, then I would be lighting one up right now as the track finishes, it’s fast, hungry and a pleasurable experience.
'The waiting Room' enters the fray with a calming hand, it's saying, "now friends you’ve had the Taz moment, now it’s time to calm down and be ready for that sense of peace". It’s slightly avant garde and a great addition to this powerhouse record as it shows real adaptability.
No fear….'Tongue Tied' smacks the rock riff straight between your eyes, this is a track that’ll sound imperative to hear live. This has a real QOTSA feel to it. 'Choke' has a real movie star riff to it, this is definitely the stand out rock anthem of the album.
'Erase You' – oh Erase You, the drum beat at the beginning is beautiful; it’s reminiscent of one of Marilyn Manson's most popular tracks, 'Beautiful People'. This atmospheric track comes with a touch of The Toadies as well. It blew my mind and is definitely a contender for THE stand out offering, it simply keeps on giving; Lorna Blundell shines on this track and maintains an energetic pace throughout.
We finish with the albums namesake, 'Atomised', a continuation of the mellow variety with a hint of Nirvana rocking around there. This is a superb track to end on, the emotive wailing mixed with Lorna Blundell’s drum beat is a sign that Manchester have someone new who can stan, once again on the shoulders of giants.
Two piece rock outfits are becoming the norm since White Stripes, Royal Blood and The Graveltones arrived but now, there’s something a bit more meaty to Manchester’s The Hyena Kill, and if you get the chance, get to the Camden Rock festival on June 4th and witness them live, you can thank me later!
Review by Mark Wincott
Track Listing
1. Crosses
2. Your Loss
3. Still Sick
4. The Waiting Room
5. Tongue Tied
6. Choke
7. Erase You
8. Atomised
