If you imagine Goth/Wave music as a bunch of ancient secrets, you could find a possible explanation of the bizarre name these grown lads led by Gary Clarke (former member of Nosferatu and head of Cureheads, official cover band of the legendary band by Robert Smith): The Hiram Key is the title of a book written by Freemasons Christopher Knight and Robert Loma, an attempt of demonstrating the origins of Masonic rituals are older than the ones normally fixed by historicians (1717), whose theories have arguably been opposed for some hasty conclusions (such as the one according to which Jesus was a Mason...), which aren't explained with the support of persuading arguments. Similarly this band looks like discovering (again) the most authentic remains of Goth civilization (!) and misteries for the likes of initiate in a style which expressly revives some old glories so that you'll recognize footprints of The Cure as well, but also many ones by Joy Division, Bauhaus, The Psychedelic Furs, Gary Numan, Sisters Of Mercy and David Bowie. It's quite clear they're very competent in these matters and moreover the decision of giving a narrative involucre to the album, borrowed from the notorious novel by Kafka, America - it seems Gary identified himself in Karl Rossmann, the young protagonist of the plot, whose features (particularly his ability to resist against some fatal oppression in spite of his condition of victim) are quite unusual for a character portrayed by the pen of that genial writer - immediately confutes any possible attempt of taxing The Hiram Key with the label of a tribute band. Even though it could appear a little bit "seasoned"or maannerist, their style immediately sounds catchy and charming and it will be easier to enjoy the above-mentioned literary aspect if you've read that novel (if so, you shouldn't have any problems in recognizing a direct connection with some episodes of it in songs like "Amerikafka", "the Lift Boy", "Karl's Song", "I couldn't help it" or "The Nature Theatre Train"). Such a release is going to be highly regarded not only by nostalgic and incurably romantic people.