photos by Kristi Xhelili
Massachusetts-based post-metalcore trio HYEENA today independently surprise-releases their second album, Proxima, alongside a video for the album’s “Vampire Tornado.”
Formed in 2019, HYEENA is currently embodied by guitarist/vocalist Keith Holuk (ex-Ligeia), bassist Mike Verlizzo, and drummer Julian Fernandez. Striving to go in a different direction than previous endeavors, the band aimed to create a post-metalcore sound with wild vocals, melodic singing, and energetic lyrics. They drew from their influences such as the Deftones, Gojira, and Misery Signals when they set about writing material, adding the occasional metalcore breakdown for good measure.
HYEENA went on to catch the ear of Frankie Palmeri, vocalist for Emmure. Together they released their debut EP, Glory, on his then newly formed Redzone Records in 2020, right as COVID arrived, snuffing the band’s plans to tour in support of it. Instead, the band spent the next two years revamping and honing their sound and writing what would be their debut album, Freedom From The Default, which saw release through Innerstrength Records in May of 2023.
One year later, HYEENA returns with their most powerful material yet on their second album, Proxima. With ten new tracks showcasing a focused intensity, the record bangs with a mercilessly infectious and more fleshed-out attack, showcasing the band growing more comfortable and deadly with their sound. Recorded by the members, Proxima was produced, mixed, and mastered by Keith Holuk, and completed with artwork by LXP Art.
Holuk states, “So, we recorded a new album and I wanted to release it all at once this time. I know everyone releases singles one at a time these days, but for this new album I wanted to just blast it out. When I’m made aware of a new song being released, I want to hear it immediately and to also be able to hear the rest of the album at that moment would be even better! I think in the future we will try releasing singles one at time, but for now it’s a HYEENA Proxima extravaganza!”
Alongside Proxima’s surprise release today, HYEENA also gives fans a slamming video for “Vampire Tornado,” directed by Kristi Xhelili.
Check out HYEENA’s “Vampire Tornado” music video now at THIS LOCATION and stream the Proxima album everywhere including Bandcamp HERE and Spotify HERE.
Watch for HYEENA to announce new live dates over the months ahead as they write their third album, which is already well underway.
Proxima Track Listing:
1. Rambling
2. Why Don’t You Just Relax?
3. Keep It Simple
4. Vampire Tornado
5. Reptile Mind Eraser
6. Wretched To Remold
7. Limelight
8. Proxima
9. Overstep The Moon
10. Coffee Struggle
https://hyeena.bandcamp.com
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