It is fascinating what can happen if we believe in ourselves, strive to consciously become better, and embrace the unknown with open arms. This is precisely the case with Caleb Hyles. Sixteen years ago, he was just a kid who dreamed of making a path with music. Not very different from other eighteen-year-olds with bright eyes and aspirations, Hyles took it a step further and boldly began uploading videos of himself singing cover songs in 2009.
Unsure if his efforts would amount to anything, he persevered for years, and while a student at Auburn in 2014, a swell of attention came his way when he released a video of himself singing the theme song “Let It Go” from Disney’s 2013 hit film Frozen. Unbelievably, his cover amounted to nearly half a million views in less than a week! Taking Hyles’ exposure to a new level, he continued to post more professional production quality videos, singing everything from Disney theme songs to Skillet covers.
Building an audience, he could have been satisfied with internet fame, but something inside compelled Hyles to do more, and thus he began putting together original music. A roll of the dice in a fickle virtual world, he put out the debut album In One Breath in 2022 to critical acclaim. Blessed to have followers dedicated and in his corner, In One Breath showcased Hyles’ theatrical background and his uncanny ability to present song ideas with his emotive singing.
This is a very promising new chapter in Hyles’ story. The one thing no one could overlook is that while he clearly has a classical performing background, he also has a lovely affection for Heavy Metal and Hard Rock. With that in mind, he put out the Heavy Metal Sea Shanty-themed Sea Shanty Metal in 2024. Also received well, in 2025, Hyles takes the boldest step forward with his all-original full-blown Metal album called The Darkness Before The Dawn.
Honestly, feeling as if the lens has fully come into focus, Caleb Hyles’s The Darkness Before The Dawn is his moment of arrival. This album does not downplay his prior accomplishments over the last decade, but finds all the pieces fitting together in a way that should thrust him out of internet recognition and into a full-blown original modern rock artist.
Released on February 28, 2025, The Darkness Before The Dawn is another bold selection from Judge & Jury Records. A powerhouse Rock force formed in 2020 by Three Days Grace’s Neil Sanderson and the award-winning Producer Howard Benson, they have tried to assemble a talented lineup of artists that reflect quality songwriting and stellar production. With others like Craig Mabbitt of Escape the Fate releasing his new Dead Rabbitts’ album REDEFINED, Saliva putting out Revelation: Retold, and fast-rising act Silos releasing APOACLIPS as well in 2025, Caleb Hyle’s The Darkness Before The Dawn is yet another brilliant addition to Judge & Jury’s catalogue.
Many of these factors make the young and developing label/production team one of the strongest in Hard Rock. There are so many features that make Hyles’ The Darkness Before The Dawn stand out. To start with, all ten tracks are originals written or co-written by Hyles. An accomplishment he should be proud of, leaving an even bolder impression, is how powerful each song is. In short, the messaging by each is about hope, overcoming, and fighting to live another day, even when the world seems bleak.
Refreshing and inspiring, Hyles takes the feelings and anxieties of many who might be too afraid to point out because they fear being painted into a corner by a ruthless and judgmental modern climate. This means that Hyles bravely tackles the self-righteousness and narcissism plague ignited by the constant digital presence and combats it with words of strength, hope, and resilience.
A common thread throughout The Darkness Before The Dawn is that turning to one or two favorites in the collection is difficult. However, should you want a reference as to where to start in your discovery of Caleb Hyles, there is no going wrong with “FEAR,” “Darkness Before The Dawn,” “The Memory,” “Between The Truth and The Lie,” “UNPARALYZED,” or “Idolize.”
Just some of the energy the album exerts, even cooler is Hyles teams with some well-known and equally as passionate names in Rock, including Rick DeJesus from Adelitas Way for “FEAR,” Flyleaf’s Lacey Sturm for “Darkness Before The Dawn,” Ashes Remains’ Josh Smith for “Memory,” and Thousand Foot Krutch’s Trevor McNevan for “UNPARALYZED.” Collaborations that are more than just a guest spot; each co-wrote the tracks they recorded, including the work of Hyles’s friend and fellow creator, Jonathan Young.
Each of these ear-catching, soul-grappling performances, without any argument, perhaps the most telling song is “Idolize” with lyrics that should provoke all to wonder at the ramifications of living in a suffocating prison that is social media.
In the end, Caleb Hyles is a must-listen if you are looking for a vocalist who can positively move you while still rocking hard. That is why it is highly recommended to check out The Darkness Before The Dawn, because Cryptic Rock gives it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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