REVIEW: HANKER – Conspiracy of Mass Extinction

 

HANKER – Conspiracy of Mass Extinction

Hellion Records

Originally released in 2010

This fifth album from Canadian power metal veterans HANKER marks one of the most striking comebacks of 2010—standing proudly alongside the year’s strongest returns from SCORPIONS, HEATHEN, OVERKILL, and ENFORCER. It also arrived after a six‑year gap since Web of Faith (2004), making this release a fully charged re‑entry for the band. Canada’s metal scene has been on a roll in recent years, and albums from HANKER, EVIL SURVIVES, SKULL FIST, and STRIKER only reinforce that momentum.

Conspiracy of Mass Extinction stays true to the band’s identity: technical, sharp‑edged power metal with a clear sense of purpose. Across its 13 tracks and nearly 57‑minute runtime, the album maintains intensity without drifting into filler. Even the 37‑second instrumental intro, “Fear the End,” feels intentional, setting the tone before the record launches into full power‑metal stride. The classic HANKER lineup—Pascal Cliche (vocals, guitars), Patrick Gravel (guitars), Laurent Imbeau (bass), and Sylvain Tremblay (drums)—is in top form, delivering a tight, confident performance that reflects years of chemistry.

The material is ambitious in structure yet remains engaging throughout, avoiding the fatigue that often accompanies more complex compositions. For me, this album easily ranks among the band’s finest and stands as one of the top power metal releases of 2010. Picking standout tracks isn’t simple, but “Beyond the Pale,” “Who’s Crying Loud?,” “Feel It Again,” and the title track rise to the top as particularly strong examples of what HANKER does best.

Production-wise, the album blends the band’s 80s‑rooted influences with a more modern sonic approach, giving it both warmth and clarity. The guitar work deserves special mention—precise, expressive, and clearly crafted with care. It’s no surprise that early reviewers responded enthusiastically, with the album earning exceptionally high ratings, including a 96% average on Metal Archives.

For dedicated power metal fans, this is essential listening. For the broader metal audience, it’s a powerful demonstration of Canadian metal at its best—an album that rewards both longtime followers and newcomers willing to dive into HANKER’s world.

Nick Parastatidis