The Hyena Kill – A Disconnect (Review)

The Hyena Kill are a UK rock band and this is their second album.

With a promo blurb that mentions bands such as Deftones, Nirvana, and Chelsea Wolfe, I was intrigued by what The Hyena Kill’s sound would actually be. It turns out that those references are appropriate, yet still allow the band to display their own personality across the 45 minutes of material on A Disconnect. The Hyena Kill’s music is a mix of alternative rock, grunge, and noise rock. This is a very simplistic description, but like the band references above, sets the scene appropriately.

This is dark and highly emotive music, and it’s clear that it means a lot to the people involved. The Hyena Kill combine dynamic energy with a passionate delivery, infusing every song with deep feeling. Each track is well-written, with consideration given to its feel, structure, and overall impact of each musical component. A Disconnect is a deeply immersive and highly atmospheric collection of songs. It’s mood-driven music that somehow isn’t lacking in catchy hooks or anthemic choruses. Put simply, this is the sort of album that had it been released on a major label in the 90s would probably have been quite massive.

While the band are all clearly skilled at what they do, the real ace in the hole is the singer. His voice is first class, and his performance follows. His range is wide, from soaring cleans to the occasional anguished screams, he puts his heart into this record and takes the listener through the music’s heart of darkness and back out again. The man has talent.

A Disconnect is an exceptional album, it’s as simple as that. If dark, brooding rock music is something that appeals to you, then I fail to understand how you couldn’t get on board with this.

Essential listening. Get this.