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Through The Looking Glass

Hybris / Scrivor
Honky Tonk Express, Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Saturday October 9 2010
by James Tweedie
With thriving scenes on both Tenerife and the neighbouring island of Gran Canaria, Canarian 'Volcanic Rock' is growing in diversity and confidence.
Tonight, local Power Metal stalwarts Hybris are launching their new album Tras El Cristal (Behind The Glass), which is free to download from the band's website.
The title seems apt – like much of the real Tenerife this concert is a Lewis Carroll-esque inversion of the island's projected public image of nature reserves, tourist resorts and banging Techno in beach clubs.
The small Honky Tonk Express is packed by the time support act Scrivor come on at nigh on 11 pm. Their keyboard-addled Trad Metal is reminiscent in turns of Led Zeppelin circa Physical Graffiti and Iron Maiden on Somewhere In Time, with some interesting Mago De Oz-style riffs.
In fact it's difficult to describe Spanish Heavy Metal without making comparisons to the Maiden. They loom over the scene here like the Colossus of Rhodes.
Like Anthrax, Hybris come on to the Blues Brothers' theme, giving their usual 110 per cent focussed delivery from the start. With lead singer Pacho spinning his mike stand and screaming out the choruses, Hybris look like they're having as much fun as their fans.
Pyrotechnics explode on the small stage right behind bassist Victor, filling the room with the smell of fire and brimstone.
Hybris' new material stands up with old faves like Judas. Most notable is Ronnie, a tribute to recently departed Metal legend Ronnie James Dio, with it's memorable second line: “Arco iris en la oscuridad” – or “rainbow in the darkness.”
Once again the torch of Volcanic Rock is held high. The old devil of the native Guanches is no doubt rocking in the bowels of Mount Teide tonight.
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