Hubris
Hubris gives power metal enough drive to stand up without a huge pile of keyboards. Calgary's Ravenous E.H. play fast, with firm riffs and vocal melodies that are easy to pick up. They do not reinvent the genre. Their strength is knowing how to make its familiar ingredients work, while keeping the guitars central to the music.
Carnage in Carthage establishes that approach immediately. R.A. Voltaire has a full, forceful voice that relies on a strong middle range rather than constantly reaching for the highest note. Layered singing makes the choruses larger. Astral Elixir keeps the pace moving, with quick guitar solos providing another push. The opening stretch can feel too similar in speed, which makes the variety further into the album especially useful.
Bridgeburner gives the arrangements more room. The strings add a separate melodic line, and the singing becomes more varied. Claw is the Law then takes a folk direction with mandolin and accordion. Those sounds fit surprisingly well between the heavy guitars. They add a different colour without making the album feel as though it has suddenly started telling an unrelated story.
The guests support that variety. The vocal pairing with Mathias Blad gives Onwards & Upwards a gentler moment, while the lengthy closer ...Of Beasts & Faust matches its larger structure with a harsher vocal edge. Some layers work better than others in the mix. The bass could have a clearer presence beneath the guitars and orchestration.
That reservation leaves plenty to enjoy. The combination of speed, memorable melodies and a more adventurous second half works well. Ravenous E.H. do not need a surprise at every turn to make Hubris convincing. The songs are strong enough to carry it.
