Band:	Hibria
Album:	XX
Style:	Heavy metal
Release date:	August 09, 2016
A review by:	Susan

01. Leading Lady
02. Music
03. Fools Paradise
04. Silent Revenge[live]
05. Lonely Fight[live]
06. Tightrope[live]
07. Tiger Punch[live]

Has it really been 20 years since Hibria formed? Many of us discovered them with the release of their explosive and monumental 2004 debut, Defying The Rules, which was already a culmination of several years' hard work and demo releases. Aside from making us feel old (I mean, I still consider Hibria to be the energetic young kids of heavy metal), these Brazilians have put together a little anniversary gift for us fans: three excellent new tunes and four top-notch live performances of previous favorites.

Hibria has always taken classic heavy metal and enjoyed the hell out of it, and XX is no exception. By using their massive technical ability to explore the ins-and-outs of their music, they're never afraid to play also with power metal, funk, hints of surf guitar, blues, and other such related territory, while staying close to the foundation of classic heavy metal. Even though this is not a traditional full-length record, that doesn't mean that anyone skimped on quality. The three new pieces would shine on any of Hibria's albums, especially the fun and funky opener, "Leading Lady." Kicking off XX with a whimsical guitar and building in layers and intensity, "Leading Lady" is jazzy, heavy, and dare I say, danceable, inspiring air-guitars and air-drums like never before.

The second half of XX is 4 live tracks; excellent recordings of well-picked songs such as the dark "Tightrope" and the neck-breaker "Tiger Punch." These all show how much of the band's infectious energy translates from the studio to the stage.

Enjoying this release so much has really made me go back and revisit Hibria's 20-year journey. I easily fell in love with Defying The Rules, and while it had sentimental value that always kept it on top of their subsequent records for me, I've been relishing this time going back and re-discovering the other high-energy gems in their growing catalogue. Let this anniversary be an opportunity for you to do the same, or to discover them for the first time.

On 2011's Blind Ride we were treated to one of Hibria's only cover songs: Frank Sinatra's "I'm Gonna Live Till I Die." Hibria realizes that this song embodies so much metal spirit (I mean, just read the title). It's also become one of the first things that come to mind when I think of the band: after 20 years they are still masters of their instruments, playing with both incredible skill and incredible energy, showing no signs of stopping. They are living one hell of a legacy, living until they die.

If you're in Canada or the northern United States, catch Hibria on tour this month and rock out for me. XX comes out tomorrow; pre-order now via Test Your Metal Records.