Hello Metalheads! This is John back with another early album review! This time I have Odyssean by Hypaethral which releases on September 18th, 2026! I have a lot to say about this one, it rips!

I’ve known about Hypaethral for a few years now and was super excited for this album since its announcement. Then I found out Michael Ranne Jr.(Ex-Through the Eyes of the Dead, Leylines) was doing drums and that made me even more excited. The technicality of this album is absolutely stunning. Michael’s playing on this album is so fast, groovy and down right brutal. I played a few songs that were already released for a friend and he was stunned. The vocals from Skyler Nohrenberg are very solid and fit perfectly the technical web that is spun by the instrumentals.

The main drawn of Hypaethral for me has been the guitar work, not to underscore the previously mentioned drumming or vocals. The way Allen Gingerich has his guitar and bass lines in constant counterpoint during ALOT of the album is mesmerizing. I can hear a ton of Necrophagist influence for this aspect specifically and it’s pulled off very well. This might be some of my favorite guitar work from the last number of years and I will be showing to everyone that will listen!

Stone Shepard is my favorite track on this album by far and it is a track that has already been released on January 21st, 2025. A few changes were made in the final track, but nothing too noteworthy. I love how the track begins with a heavy sludgy riff before erupting with vocals into a fast thrashy riff. The highlight of the track is the almost jazz sounding section at the 1:25 mark. The guitars and bass are completely independent of each other at points during the passage and weaving a sound that almost tickles my brain and ears. I love picking apart individual parts being played and this was fun.

On my personal ranking, Osyssean is a perfect 10/10 and my favorite Tech-Death release currently this year. I’m so glad Hypaethral matched the hype I had in my own head for this release. I will definitely be keeping close tabs on these guys. As always don’t forget to go check the band out, stream and even buy the new music. Links are listed below for your convenience!

https://www.instagram.com/hypaethral_official?stkn=MTI0bGl2d2IxcWY1MQ==

https://www.facebook.com/share/19AY5wPFwF/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/hypaethral/1660496243

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2o4wpniuZlLD0oDAwRwMoN

https://hypaethral.bandcamp.com/album/odyssean