Released back on August 28th, 2014, Endless was a debut demo from Hinayana that I’m willing to bet slipped through the cracks for many, including myself until just recently. Based in Austin, TX, Hinayana is a project born from the mind of Casey Hurd, who is responsible for the writing and recording of all songs. A sound best described as doom metal delivered with melodic prowess is able to keep an audience captivated throughout this impressive debut.
Five songs covering a 30 minute run time makes this an especially fulfilling demo. Each track does well to drive home the musical style that Hinayana is after, without watering any of it down. Furthermore, despite being an entirely solo effort, it is produced with enough quality and clarity that each note assists in allowing the melodic themes to take their form. The attention to detail that went into this product definitely shines through.
From the very beginning of the opening title track, you get an idea of themes that comprise the overall album. Delicate guitar leads, with each piercing note clearly ringing out, are melodic on a level that would make present-day Insomnium proud. Yet this surface of sound is only a small part of the Hinayana equation. The percussive sound and cadence is far more deliberate and hollow sounding, giving Endless a doom quality that works with the melodies curiously well. It’s an element that makes the sound become distant and encompassing at the same time. Even the growled vocals are performed with patience and passion, tying together all the musical elements behind them. This isn’t a punishing, droning doom metal album that pounds a listener into the soil. Rather, this is a careful construction of sound that covers a wide range of styles and melodies, leaving an atmospheric and thought-provoking album in its wake.
There are certainly deviating tempos from one track to another that become recognizable as you work through the latter tracks. For example the closing two tracks in “Twisting Silver” and “Bringers of the Dawn” move at far quicker paces than the likes of the preceding “Taken.” But it all works in Endless’ favor. For one, it keeps the sound interesting despite a consistent stylistic approach. But on another level, the quickened tempo on the closing track allow the album to end on an upswing, always a good idea when releasing a debut. The only thing I’m left wondering is, with this sound working so well for a limited 30 minute listen, how would it hold up on a full length album? Would the sound grow stale or would Hinayana manage to mix it up enough to keep this same level of intrigue?
But all told, this is certainly an impressive debut. And it’s a demo produced in the right way. It’s quality all the way around and the intentions of the artist are clear throughout. The potential that Hinayana puts on display with Endless is undeniable. So at this point it’s just a matter of what the potential amounts to going forward.
“Ein Bier… bitte.”
– Corey
Endless is available now. For more information on Hinayana, visit the band’s official Facebook page.
Nine Circles 