France has churned out some serious experimental shit in recent years and Eryn Non Dae is no exception. Hydra Lernaia is an impressive debut album that shows promise for a young band.

Armed with quality production and tight musical craft, Eryn Non Dae sounds as if they are completely comfortable with their skills. Interbreeding off rhythms ala Meshuggah, artsy industrial experimentation similar to Sybreed, and the down-tuned brutality of Gojira, Hydra Lernaia holds plenty illuminations. Chaotic and disordered at times, there is even a Dillinger Escape Plan type of sound happening.

Though there are lots of comparisons to be made, Hydra Lernaia holds utterly confusing material. No matter how many times I listen to this I cannot remember a single thing. I mean even though this is good stuff there are so many different patterns going on I can’t even begin to reference a song. It’s just not very catchy and that alone is a huge downfall. The songs have no real structure to them and they sound similar throughout the disc. It is awesome stuff but these French fuckers need to focus on writing songs and let up on the spastic jibberish. “Blistering Hate” has some stellar groove and this is the type of song that I wish continued throughout the record. When it comes right down to it, bands like Meshuggah just have a knack for creating memorable song structures, even over all the chaos. I think Eryn Non Dae has some incredible shit but taking some notes from the masters wouldn’t hurt.

On the other hand, the aura surrounding this record maybe exactly what it should. The urgency and edginess of it portrays many different human emotions and per the bands bio on Metal Blade, that’s exactly what they are going for. Along with all the spazz there are genuinely dark atmospheric moments that are dissonant as Neurosis. What does stand out is the drumming. Julien Rufie is a serious beast behind the kit. Watch out for this guy in the future because for a debut performance this is intense.

Hydra Lernaia is worth your time. It just isn’t without its flaws. Welcome to the fold, Eryn Non Dae. Look forward to hearing more.

By: Shane Wolfnsberger

http://end.1.free.fr/

[Visit the band's website]

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