Released by: Nuclear Blast Records
Release Date: August 18th, 2023
Genre: Melodic Metal
Links: www.cyhra.com
Line Up:
Jake E – Lead Vocals
Euge Valovirta – Lead Guitar (and Bass)
Alex Landenburg – Drums
Marcus Sunesson – Guitar
Jesper Strömblad – Guitar (and Bass)
Tracklist:
1. Ready To Rumble
2. Let’s Have My Story Told
3. Live A Little
4. 1.000.000 Fahrenheit
5. Buried Alive
6. The Voice You Need To Hear
7. Life Is A Hurricane
8. If I
9. Fear Of Missing Out
10. Ashlight
11. Too Old For Fairy Tales
The Swedes Cyhra, the Melodic Metal outfit are back after their now third offering titled “The Vertigo Trigger”. To be honest the last two albums did slip past me, but glad to see former Amaranthe vocalist Jake E has stuck around with these guys, as they have managed to put out a banger of a record. Not surprised with the result here as the band consists of former In Flames guitarist Jesper Strömblad, and former Kamelot drummer Alex Landenburg, plus they have added Marcus Sunesson (ex-The Crown,/Engel) to the mix as well.
The guys speak of the latest offering being its darkest and most adventurous product. I feel the writing on “The Vertigo Trigger” has grown exponentially. The melodic hooks are all over the place, and the chorus is enticing as hell, yes you still hear some Amaranthe influences, but to be honest, they have developed their identity now and it pays dividends.

Cyhra Live at Bloodstock Open Air 2022
The album starts strong with a banger of a tune “Ready to Rumble” where Jake E shines, the guitars attack menacingly, but the tempo is not overbearing and it doesn’t take away from the overall sound. Another very well executed tune comes via the anthemic chorus in “Live a Little”, a pompous tune with a killer groove, one of the best on the record. Jake again propels another hot track in “Buried Alive”, some of the highs here are impressive, and the lyrics are interesting and a little dark, but it all works very well with the potent chorus, another banger. The hit continues with “Life is A Hurricane”, the groove here is very catchy, but the guitar solo midway really spices things up, very edgy, very guitar hero-esque. Another song that features its accessibility comes in “Fear of Missing Out”, with its dark undertones, and edgy riffs that are refreshing to hear, the same formula fulfills itself all through the album. Not a weak moment to be found anywhere, happy to report.
Even though the sound is their own, I hear flashes of old Kamelot in places, minus the symphonic elements, also bands like Tad Morose, as Jake E has a powerful voice, comparable to the great Urban Breed. The rhythms and drums are not a gimmick, these guys have developed really strong chemistry and it shows here in full force on their third contribution. Props to the guys for self-producing the whole thing, and for upping the ante on their past works. This will surely end up on many top lists of the year for Metal releases.
Written by: Shadow Editor
Ratings: 9/10
Editors Pick