Interview:	CYHRA
Title:	Come feeling or high water

The most energizing Melodic Metal? Excitingly modern and surprisingly original arrangements? From Sweden? With an illustrious lineup? And a new album to boot?

The band offers a resounding „Yes!” as a definitive answer to all these questions—and warmly recommends their fourth studio album, „Requiem For A Pipe Dream.”

The label's PR department also markets Cyhra as a „Melodic Metal Supergroup“ - singer Jake E takes this in stride, as he makes clear. 


„It's flattering, of course, but at the same time we don't spend much time thinking about labels or titles. And sometimes that "stamp" actually works against us. We all come from bands and projects that have had success in different parts of the metal scene, so I understand why people use the term "supergroup". For us, though, Cyhra has never been about assembling famous names. It's always been about finding musicians who share the same passion for writing great songs. At the end of the day, the audience decides what we are. If people hear the music and connect with it, that's what matters. We still approach every album with the mentality that we have something to prove.“

You've been pretty active in the scene with Cyhra in the last decade - what were some of the most important experiences, lessons, and insights you gained along the way? 


„The biggest lesson is that great music alone isn't enough anymore. You have to be adaptable, patient, and willing to learn constantly. The music industry has changed dramatically since Cyhra started. Streaming, social media, content creation, touring economics - everything is different. We've also learned the importance of resilience. Every band faces setbacks. Members come and go, tours get canceled, opportunities disappear, and plans change. The bands that survive are the ones that keep moving forward. Another important lesson is trusting your instincts. Sometimes the songs that labels, management, or even people around you are unsure about become the songs fans connect with the most.“

Considering all your experiences since then, what has changed the most in your attitude toward modern / groove and alternative metal music since?


„I think I've become much more open-minded. Years ago, metal genres felt more separated. Today, listeners don't care as much about boundaries. The younger generation grew up listening to metal, pop, electronic music, hip-hop, and rock all at once. Because of that, I think modern metal has become much more creative. A heavy riff can coexist with a huge melodic chorus, atmospheric elements, or electronic textures. What matters most to me today isn't whether something fits perfectly into a genre. It's whether it creates an emotional reaction.“

I'm listening to „Requiem For A Pipe Dream“ right now, and it's really winning me over, massive pounding and versatile, original and catchy in one - congratulations on the new album, it has also on emotional levels so much to offer! What's your special way of reminding me of The Rasmus at their absolute peak, for example, through your new material? 


„Thank you very much. That's a really interesting comparison. I loved “In The Shadows“ and I even toured with them as a pyrotechnician for some shows back then. With Cyhra, we never consciously try to sound like another band, but I do think there are similarities in the sense that we want heavy music to remain emotional and accessible. We want listeners to remember the songs after hearing them once while still giving them depth and substance beneath the surface.“

How does it feel right now, knowing that soon so many people out there will be enjoying these songs? 


„It's exciting and terrifying at the same time. You spend months, sometimes years, living with these songs. Eventually you almost lose perspective because you've heard them so many times. Then comes the moment when they belong to the listeners instead of you. That's always the most rewarding part. Seeing how people interpret the songs and discovering meanings that we never consciously intended is one of the great joys of making music.“

How has the lively musical style of the band evolved since then, and what do you particularly like about it at the moment? 


„I think we've become more confident in who we are. In the early days you're naturally exploring your identity. Now we know that Cyhra can be aggressive, melodic, emotional, modern, and classic at the same time. What I particularly enjoy today is that we're no longer afraid to follow a song wherever it wants to go. If a track needs to be heavier, we'll make it heavier. If it needs a massive chorus, we'll embrace that. We're serving the song rather than a preconceived idea of what Cyhra should be.“

How do you see and evaluate this new output within your musical journey and what would you like to say about the new release in direct comparison to the previous longplayer, 2023 „The Vertigo Trigger“? 


„I am incredibly proud of "The Vertigo Trigger". Looking back, I actually think it's one of the strongest records we've ever made. Unfortunately, it was released during a very strange period for the music industry. The effects of the pandemic were still being felt everywhere, and in many ways it felt like the album got lost in the noise. Touring was still recovering, people's attention spans had changed, and it was difficult for many bands to gain the momentum they normally would after a release. That being said, I have never viewed "The Vertigo Trigger" as a missed opportunity. Quite the opposite. It became an important stepping stone for where Cyhra is today. It helped us define our identity, strengthen the chemistry within the band, and gave us the confidence to push even further. "Requiem For A Pipe Dream" feels like a natural evolution of everything we built on that album. We didn't set out to reinvent ourselves. Instead, we focused on amplifying the things that make Cyhra unique. The riffs are heavier, the choruses are bigger, the emotions run deeper, and I believe the songwriting is stronger across the board. For me, this album represents a band that is completely comfortable in its own skin. We know who we are, we know what we want to say, and we aren't afraid to follow our instincts. If "The Vertigo Trigger" was about establishing the next chapter of Cyhra, then "Requiem For A Pipe Dream" is us taking that chapter to its fullest potential.“

How was the selection of songs for the album done - was it difficult or rather easy for the band? 


„We wrote them one by one. Most of them we released as singles then we made the last 5 in one go. It was a really easy process to be honest. We sent ideas back and forth and then all of a sudden we were done.“ [smiles]

How can readers picture the process of how you write, develop, and finish one of your new songs? And were there any ups and downs along the way this time?

„Usually a song starts with a riff, a melody, or sometimes just a feeling. Once the musical foundation is there, I spend a lot of time searching for vocal melodies and lyrical themes. The lyrics are often the final piece of the puzzle because I want every word to feel authentic. There are always ups and downs. Some songs seem to write themselves in a day. Others take months of rewriting before they finally click. That's part of the process. Sometimes the songs that fight you the most become the most rewarding in the end.“

How good and synchronized is the current chemistry between you and the other musicians in Cyhra? 


„I think it's as strong as it´s always been… We've spent years together both on and off the stage. We know each other's strengths, weaknesses, and personalities. That creates a level of trust that's difficult to achieve quickly. When everyone is working toward the same goal, things become much more efficient and much more enjoyable.“

You’re all experienced and talented musicians in the band - given your strong egos, does that make working together more difficult, or is it actually easier because you’re all pulling together toward a shared vision?

„I wouldn't say we have much EGO, I honestly hate people in this business where the whole world is spinning around them. I've experienced enough narcissistic personalities over the years that I won't accept that behaviour in a band. Cyhra is a brotherhood and we always do what's best for the song, band, or the band's career. For me it's gone so far that it's a negative trait as I hate to post things with myself on social media. I hate the LOOK AT ME mentality.“

What's the story behind the rather poetic album title „Requiem For A Pipe Dream“?

„"Requiem For A Pipe Dream" is about letting go of the illusions we cling to - the dreams we outgrow, the expectations that hold us back, and the stories we tell ourselves. It’s a farewell, but also a rebirth.“

Your comment on „Bleed With Pride“ - about „trusting his own scars“ - certainly speaks directly to the hearts of many people today, doesn't it?

„I think so. Everyone carries scars of some kind. Some are visible and some aren't. The song is about recognizing that those experiences, no matter how painful, helped shape who you are. Rather than hiding those scars, it's about embracing them and understanding that they can become a source of strength.“

The latter seems more fitting than ever for the times we live in. Although humanity has always enjoyed making each other’s lives a living hell, hasn’t it?

„Unfortunately, conflict and division have always existed. At the same time, I try not to become cynical. Throughout history we've also seen incredible examples of compassion, courage, and resilience. Music can't solve the world's problems, but it can remind people that they're not alone. Sometimes that's more powerful than we realize.“

What was your experience of the recording process for the new output from start to finish?

„We took out time and releasing singles for almost a year helped me at least to not stress it and make sure every song got the attention it deserved! We recorded this as many of our other albums remotely so there was a lot of filesharing back and forth.“

Anything you would like to add?

„First of all, thank you for taking the time to listen so carefully to the album and for the thoughtful questions. We're incredibly proud of "Requiem For A Pipe Dream" and can't wait for people to experience it in full. Whether someone discovers Cyhra for the first time through this album or has been with us since day one, we hope these songs connect with them on a personal level. Most importantly, thank you to everyone who continues supporting live music and supporting bands like Cyhra. Without the fans, none of this would be possible.“ 
 


© Markus Eck, 21.05.2026

Photo Credit: Linda Florin

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