HYPATIA

Hypatia is the third album by Telergy, a project led by multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer Robert McClung. This new record has potential to enter many year-end top lists.

Both musically and story-wise Hypatia is built very professionally, with every detail being well thought. With its seventeen songs and the concept that is based on the story of an ancient philosopher and mathematician Hypatia, the album is constructed as a rock opera record. Due to the album's concept depicting the mentioned story, there is a feeling of record being similar to the film soundtrack.

Hypatia was a well educated woman who could stand up in front of men. Her name definitely deserves to be recognised and put near the greatest names of ancient times. Robert McClung and Telergy contribute to that.

As it was the case with other Telergy albums, most of songs on 'Hypatia' are predominantly instrumental, even though there are lyrics. There are no vocals on Telergy albums, but spoken words that are performed by Durga McBroom-Hudson acting as Hypatia, Bryan Hicks as Theon, Corey Glover as Synesius, Blake Carpenter as Cyril, Peter Kelley as Peter the Reader, and Almus Kentler as The Professor.

As implied above 'Hypatia' is built upon the great instrumental work based on symphonic and progressive metal. The album features guest contributors who worked with bands such Savatage, Trans Siberian Orchestra, Symphony X, Rhapsody on Fire, Kamelot, Yes, Supertramp, Jethro Tull, Kansas. These names get you closer to what can be expected from 'Hypatia' in the musical sense.

The artwork of the album extends visually to the whole concept.

With all said and done, I insist that 'Hypatia' is one of the best releases of the year. Don't think of finishing this year without giving a listen to this album.

US project TELERGY is the creative vehicle for composer and musician Robert McClung (whose instrumentation includes: guitar, bass, mandolin, balalaika, ukulele, sitar, lap steel, piano, organ, synthesizers, violin, viola, flute, percussion, bodhran, tenor vocals and baritone vocals). His aim is to create and release conceptual albums under this name, utilizing guest performers for various instrument and vocal roles, in some ways comparable to Ayreon. So far he has released three albums, all of them revolving around historical persons and events. "Hypatia" is the most recent of those, and dates back to 2015.

"Hypatia" is an album with two different dimensions to it. The narrative cycles, which come across as weak, at least when used in this context, and the compositions, which by and large, are high quality and at best impressive. As an album experience the former are detrimental, but the latter makes me conclude that this is an album worth giving a shot anyhow, an album you should stick with a bit and give a chance or two. Those who enjoy orchestral music mixed with progressive rock and metal in particular should take note of this output.