Music

‘Beyond The Bounds: The Metropolis Master’ is the cumulation of a lifetime spent in devotion to rock music. While Erik Hÿsterik has created countless memorable songs under the moniker of guruji, his most recent record represents his evolution into a genuine rock god for the modern era. The larger than life hooks, thundering rhythms, and evocative vocal performances combine to create one of the most vital rock records in years. 

Opening track ‘I Want You’ brilliantly sets the stage for what is about to come. With its mysterious guitar echoes and story of forbidden romance, it is more than just an expertly composed rock song. It is an invitation into Hÿsterik’s world – a place where rock is still king and rebellion is the name of the game.

‘I Love Her’ takes things one step further, depicting the debauchery and misbehavior that music fans once associated with rock and roll and are longing to see again. The vocal harmonies are tight, the guitar riffs are brilliant in their minimalism, and the message is gloriously unsubtle.

Every track on the record has a personality of its own, reflecting Hÿsterik’s versatility as a composer. ‘Prima Ballerina’ shows off his softer side and allows him to show off his gift for poetic lyricism. Meanwhile ‘Run’ is pure chaos, with manic guitar riffs that are clearly indebted to heroes of the thrash metal era.

Hÿsterik’s ability to craft massive, radio-friendly hooks is of the many things that separates guruji’s records from the countless hoards of throwback rock bands out there today. This is best evidenced by album highlight ‘Sky Rocket,’ which would fit right in on FM radio from any point in the past fifty years.

Never one to shy away from provocative topics, he explores modern romance on the confrontational ‘If I Was a Women.’ Elsewhere, on ‘Bad Girl,’ he creates a magnetic sense of danger that harkens back to the glory days of hair metal. ‘Inamorata’ is an experimental and unique track, and ‘Love Bite’ is pure late night rock. From there, he mixes things up with ‘I’m Lucky’ and ‘Close to the Borderline,’ keeping listeners on the edge of their seat all the way to the mystical closing track ‘Dawn.’ By the time you’ve reached the end of the album, you’ll have a new appreciation for the modern rock genre. It is an album of rare depth that will reward constant, obsessive re-listens, making it likely to become one of your new favorites.

‘Beyond the Bounds: The Metropolis Master’ is the album rock fans have been waiting for. Whether they are longtime fans or newcomers to the genre, this sprawling masterpiece will make a meaningful impact on listeners for years to come.