HeraCyra’s “I AM” Is a Ferocious Statement of Identity and Defiance

From the gritty heart of Cleveland’s rock scene emerges HeraCyra, the unapologetically bold project from Brian Teubl—a seasoned frontman with a deep-rooted passion for hard-hitting, emotionally charged music. With I AM, HeraCyra bursts onto the scene with a thunderous debut that’s as introspective as it is explosive, threading themes of identity, disillusionment, and inner rebellion through a dynamic blend of alternative rock, hard rock, and metal.

Right from the get-go, the album announces its refusal to take itself too seriously. Opener “Hawk Tuah” cheekily riffs on viral internet fame, using satire and heavy riffage to critique our obsession with 15 seconds of social media clout. It’s raw, it’s loud, and it sets the tone for an album that doesn’t just comment on the world—it confronts it.

Then comes “MYT,” a standout moment of emotional grit. With the repeated line “I’ll meet you there,” Brian captures the fragile resilience of someone wrestling with hardship but still clinging to hope. The track pulses with a melancholic urgency, balancing crushing guitars with heartfelt vulnerability.

The album’s heartbeat, however, lies in its title track, “I Am.” Here, HeraCyra fully leans into its thematic core—alienation, self-acceptance, and defiance. Brian sings from the margins, embracing the discomfort of not fitting in and declaring, with growling conviction, that he won’t change to belong. It’s a cathartic anthem for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider, wrapped in distorted guitars and relentless percussion.

Social commentary sharpens with “DKW,” an angst-filled response to the chaos of today’s world. The chorus “I don’t know why” becomes a frustrated mantra, reflecting collective confusion and exhaustion. “Repent” digs even deeper, calling out hypocrisy cloaked in morality. Its pointed lyrics and ominous tone tackle those who hide dark intentions behind a façade of virtue, whether religious or otherwise.

What makes I AM more than just another hard rock record is the sincerity that drives every track. Teubl's voice—both lyrically and vocally—commands attention, grounded in lived experience and an unwavering desire to connect. Whether he's poking fun, breaking down, or raging against the system, it’s always real.

We’re drawn to music that says something, and I AM says plenty. It’s a reminder that rock music still has the power to challenge, to heal, and to raise a little hell. It doesn’t beg for approval. It demands your ears and dares you to feel something.

"I AM" feels like both a personal manifesto and a societal critique—how did your own experiences shape the emotional highs and lows of the album, and was there a specific moment that sparked its creation?

Originally, this was just going to be one song. That one song was the title track, "I Am." This song resonates with me the most because I'm writing from how I've felt in my life. I'm more of an introvert, and natural conversations do not come easily to me. Despite feeling left out and not fitting in, I realized that just be yourself, you'll be happier with yourself that you did.

Tracks like “Repent” and “DKW” dive into some heavy social themes. As an artist, where do you draw the line between personal expression and cultural commentary, or do you even see a line at all?

As an artist, I don't really see a line. I'm just writing what comes natural to me. It could be things on my mind that are bothersome and just need to get it out there. I don't really limit myself to a theme.

The title track "I Am" touches on the struggle of not fitting in and finding strength in that. What advice would you give to someone who’s still learning to embrace their difference instead of hiding it?

It's a struggle that I've battled most of my life. I kind of touched upon it earlier, but my advice is don't change who you are and then not feel good about yourself to fit in or be like someone else. It's tough, but eventually you may find someone who is similar and sees you as you.

With your history fronting different bands, how does HeraCyra differ from your past projects, both sonically and in terms of your mindset as a songwriter and frontman?

This project is a bit more dynamic, touching upon a little heavier side with songs like MYT, Hawk Tuah, and Repent. I wanted to bring some influences from bands like Soulfly and Alice in Chains. I'm also starting this band project solo with some guests here and there, but with the hopes of building it into a full, permanent band with others.

You’ve said you hope people can “get lost in the music” and interpret it their own way. What’s one song on the album that surprised even you in how people connected with it, or one you’re especially curious to see how fans will interpret?

I'm interested to see how they interpret the album in full, but I'd say "I Am" or "DKW," as those songs could hit home with people.

What's next for you?

I'm working on finishing up my second solo LP under my name. The first single should drop in late May, and the album should be out in September. I may get some gig opportunities this Summer as well. Follow me on my social media accounts for the latest.