Cyhra – Requiem For A Pipe Dream

Cyhra
Requiem For A Pipe Dream
Label: Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM)
Out: 5^th June 2026
Playing time: 38:34

Cyhra were formed ten years ago by singer Jake E. (ex-Amaranthe) and guitarist/bassist Jesper Strömblad (ex-In Flames, The Halo Effect). They were soon joined by another well-known musician, drummer Alex Landenburg (Kamelot, Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody). Their debut album, ‘Letters To Myself’, was released in 2017. Following ‘No Halos In Hell’ (2019) and ‘The Vertigo Trigger’ (2023), the Swedish Melodic Metal band’s fourth album, ‘Requiem For A Pipe Dream’, is set for release in June.

A blend of subtle heaviness, catchiness and clear melodic and vocal passages underpinned by synths – that’s how ‘Bleed With Pride’ presents itself. “Superman” isn’t much different. Add to that some ‘ohohohoh’ vocals. It all reminds one a little of Jake E’s former band Amaranthe, albeit considerably toned down. ‘Miss Me When I’m Gone’ is a little calmer, with some spoken vocals. And plenty of synths. If it weren’t for the drums, the song would drift completely into Pop realm. It’s much the same with “Ghostbound”. However, the double bass attacks here provide a bit of underlying heaviness. Among the many fairly quiet songs, “In The Center Of A Miracle” is a Pop Rock ballad with a slightly anthemic feel. For me, one of the few highlights. “Skin From Bones” takes us back into the upbeat Pop/Rock territory. In the middle section, the awful spoken vocals – which sound like a Rap interlude (?) – really annoy me. The bass line later on doesn’t exactly make for a great listening experience either. The next four songs – “Ghost I’m Meant To Be”, “Mark Of My Sins”, “Venom In Me” and “Box With Spirits” – do little to dispel the overall weak impression. Only Lost Society’s singer and guitarist Samy Elbanna ensures that the closing track “Hold Your Fire” rises above mediocrity.

Looking at the line-up, you’d have expected a bit more musically. In my view, only drummer Alex Landenburg lives up to his reputation. Otherwise, ‘Requiem For A Pipe Dream’ mostly offers nothing more than light entertainment. Most of the songs are too predictable. And the two positive exceptions, ‘In The Center Of A Miracle’ and ‘Hold Your Fire’, are a bit too few for my taste.

Cyhra – Bleed With Pride: https://youtu.be/RhEwUEIpubY?si=0jRtz8D4bFrPbJVc

Lineup:

Joacim „Jake E.“ Lundberg – Vocals, Keys
Euge Valovirta – Guitars, Bass, Keys
Marcus Sunesson – Guitars, Bass
Alex Landenburg – Drums
Jesper Strömblad – Bass, Guitar

Track list:

• Bleed With Pride
• Superman
• Miss Me When I’m Gone
• Ghostbound
• In The Center Of A Miracle
• Skin From Bones
• Ghost I’m Meant To Be
• Mark Of My Sins
• Venom In Me
• Box With Spirits
• Hold Your Fire feat. Samy Elbanna