🎶 Cyhra
🌎Gothenburg, Sweden
📀 Requiem for a Pipe Dream
® Reigning Phoenix Music
📅 05/06/2026

It is well known that Gothenburg has produced dozens of bands operating on the borders of melodic Metal, and CΥΗΡΑ are a typical example of such a band. We are talking about a supergroup consisting of founders Jake E on vocals (ex–DREAM EVIL, ex–KAMELOT, ex–AMARANTHE) and Jesper Strömblad on guitars and keyboards (THE HALO EFFECT, ex–IN FLAMES), alongside Alex Landenburg on drums (KAMELOT), Euge Valovirta on guitars and bass (RED WOLF), and Marcus Sunesson on guitars (THE CROWN). Formed in 2016, they are already preparing to release their fourth full-length album, “Requiem for a Pipe Dream”, an album the band themselves describe as their most “vulnerable” and “united” work to date, revolving around themes of loss, disappointment, and survival.

Their new album consists of 11 tracks and lasts less than 40 minutes, as none of the songs exceed four minutes in length. The album opens with “Bleed With Pride”, characterized by a highly distinctive riff, making it an ideal introduction to a record that oscillates between melodic Metal and modern Hard Rock with several pop influences. “Superman” stands out because the chorus opens the song itself, giving it a unique and notably modern character, making it one of the album’s highlights. “Miss Me When I’m Gone”, as the title suggests, begins at a slower pace with keyboards dominating before the intensity gradually rises.

“Ghostbound” clearly carries more energy, especially in its first half, which strongly recalls Power Metal anthems, while Jake E delivers one of his finest vocal performances on the album. With the slow-to-mid-tempo “In the Center of the Miracles”, the pace drops, the atmosphere becomes more romantic, and CYHRA present a song that will surely find its place in the middle of a live setlist. On “Skin From Bones”, the band experiments by incorporating rap vocals into an otherwise groovy and rather heavy guitar-driven track.

With “Ghost I’m Meant to Be”, we return to more familiar musical territory, highlighted by sharp guitar work. “Mark of My Sins” features a distinctly progressive sound, showcasing yet another of the many influences combined throughout the album. “Venom in Me” is among the most dynamic tracks on the record, packed with melody and dense orchestration, as every instrument participates with great intensity. In “Box with Spirits”, the combination of drums and electric guitar particularly stands out. CYHRA saved the best track for last with “Hold Your Fire”, which features brutal vocals by Finnish-Egyptian vocalist Samy Elbanna (LOST SOCIETY, RED WOLF), delivering a unique blend of clean and brutal vocals alongside Jake E. Additionally, we finally get to fully appreciate Alex Landenburg’s drumming abilities, while the guitar solos are equally outstanding.

Overall, “Requiem for a Pipe Dream” is an album that strongly reflects the influences of the musicians who make up the band, presented in a modern and catchy way. The production is of a very high standard, allowing every element to sound crystal clear. The truth is that the album avoids extensive experimentation and does not fully exploit the undeniably impressive technical abilities of its musicians. Nevertheless, it is a release that continues CYHRA’s streak of strong albums, proving that they function not merely as a supergroup or side project, but as a fully realized band already carving out a significant path within the genre.

 ★ 8/10
✍🏻 Kostas Boudoukos