{"id":7848,"date":"2020-01-18T12:59:29","date_gmt":"2020-01-18T12:59:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.progradar.org\/?p=7848"},"modified":"2026-08-21T01:06:32","modified_gmt":"2026-08-21T00:06:32","slug":"review-hibernal-beyond","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/progradar.co.uk\/index.php\/2020\/01\/18\/review-hibernal-beyond\/","title":{"rendered":"Review – Hibernal – Beyond"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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There\u2019s always room for a story that can transport people to another place.? <\/p>J.K.Rowling<\/strong><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Hibernal<\/strong> is a sci-fi post-rock project created by Brisbane native and author Mark R. Healy<\/strong> where, along with long term musical partner in crime Rowan Salt<\/strong>, Mark interweaves sci-fi stories with instrumental music to tell a compelling storyline that unfolds throughout the course of the album. The aim is to take the listener on an atmospheric, immersive and thought-provoking journey with every production. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have become an avid fan of Mark’s work and it is always an occasion filled with great anticipation when a new Hibernal<\/strong> album is announced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

‘Beyond’<\/em> is the fifth release from this accomplished musician and storyteller and, in my opinion, is his best release yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“It was meant to be a routine mission. A crew of two sent to investigate an anomaly in the Rigel system at the foot of Orion.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using the excellent voice talents of long time collaborators Scott Gentle<\/strong> and Faleena Hopkins<\/strong>, we are told a twisting tale of two people who pass through a void in space and find a sinister and mind blowing world on the other side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am not going to spoil the story by writing an in depth review of the album but, suffice to say, it is one of Mark’s most engrossing and spine-tingling tales yet..<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“As I watch, a pale blue star seems to throb and grow larger. With each pulse, shafts of azure light illuminate around it like the strands of a spider\u2019s web. I can\u2019t decide if it\u2019s beautiful or terrifying. Then the moment passes, and the murk drifts overhead, obscuring my view.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hibernal<\/strong> albums are amazing cinematic soundscapes that have you on the edge of your seat, you feel invested in the characters and your heart is in your mouth waiting to hear what is going to happen next, the music adding an incredibly detailed and suspenseful accompaniment to the absorbing and compelling narrative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’d liken Mark’s work to an audiobook with musical backing, these are works that need to be listened to in one sitting, from beginning to end. I played ‘Beyond’<\/em> in full for the first time on one of my daily runs and soon found myself totally immersed in the story and itching to find out what was going to happen with Blake<\/strong> and Aven<\/strong> next, with music like this it truly doesn’t get much better than that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“You can\u2019t leave me. We\u2019re in this together, Blake. Right to the end.”<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

‘Beyond’<\/em> is another tour de force from the undoubted master of cinematic storytelling. It is an enthralling and utterly gripping piece of work that holds your attention from its fascinating start, through its intriguing plot and right until the chilling end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mark R. Healy, my friend, you have done it again and this time it is your very best release yet!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Released 20th January 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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