Rome
The Hyperion Machine
Trisol Music Group
Every once in a while, when listening to a new album, within the first few minutes of listening the first thing that comes to mind is how good the album is going to be. Itβs just clear within the first few notes, words, whatever it may be. This is true for Romeβs The Hyperion Machine.
The first track is entirely made of whispering words in German. The 23 seconds of whispering is a great way to open up since itβs always nice to have a little extra something added in an album like spoken word tracks, silence to build up suspense, or other creative content. Throughout the album, there is more of that spoken word, and some even shouted by what may be a woman or a child. Small touches like that (when used well) always make a track sound that much more interesting. In this case, it all adds to the dark and solemn vibes in The Hyperion Machine.
Speaking of themes, while there arenβt any Shakespearian references in this particular album, there is some Greek Mythology. Hyperion was one of 12 children of Gaia, the Titan of Earth. Legend says Hyperion killed his father, Uranus, ruler of the skies, only to be later overthrown by the Olympians. Although the lyrics donβt specifically reference Hyperion or his story, it doesnβt make the lyrics any less poetic or beautiful. It does, however, reference Diotima, who was the priestess who taught Plato about love. Thereβs also mention of the ancient city of Alabanda, located in Turkey.
There are quite a few songs featured that really left an impression. βCities of Asylumβ is catchy despite how deep and sad it is, compared to βStillwell,β which itself is slow and haunting. βSkirmishes for Diotimaβ is beautiful as well. βThe Secret Germanyβ opens like an old song of lore and transforms into something more modern sounding. βDie Morder Muhsamsβ would have been a nice way to close off the album and wrap things up by another chanting track, but so is the bonus track, βFanfanfan,β with its poetic lyrics.
Whatβs also nice about The Hyperion Machine is that it isnβt a complete replica of the previous album. Sure, there are similarities because it is, after all, created by the same musician, but itβs not the exact same like many other artists.
Overall, The Hyperion Machine is great for anyone who enjoys neoFolk, emotional and melodic music, or minor historical references.
ArtistΒ Links
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: ROME – THE HYPERION MACHINE
Sabrina Biot