Sentinel Steel
2007
1. V.666
2. Awakening Day
3. Pieces of My Beginning
4. Malachai's Reign
5. Act of Desperation
6. Walk Through Hell
7. On Chained Down
8. Nocturnal Apparition
9. Haunted Visions
10. Final Encounter
Cypher Seer, formerly Malakis Reign, are a band I've been keeping an eye on for awhile now. First and foremost anything with Michael Grant gains my attention as I have become quite a fan of his vocals. Grant has also been a part of Crescent Shield who put out one of the more impressive debuts in recent memory. The thought of him being a part of another young power act was intriguing and made me wonder if this one could measure up to Crescent Shield... and if indeed dividing his time among two bands was worth it.
Well the simple answer is yes, Cypher Seer is well worth the effort. Awakening Day is pretty much the album I have been waiting for since Onward disbanded. A thick, flowing power metal album that packs a guitar punch and once again let's Michael's vocals soar. I can't imagine any fan of majestic power metal being displeased with what's contained in this release. The vocals are smooth and deep, the music powerful and the guitar is never dull. Awakening Day is a sharp contrast to Michael's work in Crescent Shield as things are much more slick and less raw feeling than that band. Cypher Seer is more power oriented than the stripped down traditional feel of Crescent Shield and this one just succeeds in a different, but equally good way. Both seem to have their place among promising newer bands and I do hope to see both continue. Dividing one's time between two bands can be a difficult task.
In the end Cypher Seer manages to make a smooth but heavy power metal release with a strong guitar presence and epic and occasionally folky touches. The band seems tight and the songwriting varied and distinct enough. I would recommend this release strongly to fans of Onward and epic, heavy power with a smooth and emotive touch like Falconer or Nocturnal Rites. Iced Earth also occasionally comes to mind in that Michael's smooth and deep voice kind of reminds me of Matt Barlow in his lower and more emotive range. Awakening Day is very solid release and a standout for this year so far.
Highlights: Awakening Day, Malachai's Reign, Walk Through Hell, On Chained Down
Rating - 4.0/5
2. Awakening Day
3. Pieces of My Beginning
4. Malachai's Reign
5. Act of Desperation
6. Walk Through Hell
7. On Chained Down
8. Nocturnal Apparition
9. Haunted Visions
10. Final Encounter
Cypher Seer, formerly Malakis Reign, are a band I've been keeping an eye on for awhile now. First and foremost anything with Michael Grant gains my attention as I have become quite a fan of his vocals. Grant has also been a part of Crescent Shield who put out one of the more impressive debuts in recent memory. The thought of him being a part of another young power act was intriguing and made me wonder if this one could measure up to Crescent Shield... and if indeed dividing his time among two bands was worth it.
Well the simple answer is yes, Cypher Seer is well worth the effort. Awakening Day is pretty much the album I have been waiting for since Onward disbanded. A thick, flowing power metal album that packs a guitar punch and once again let's Michael's vocals soar. I can't imagine any fan of majestic power metal being displeased with what's contained in this release. The vocals are smooth and deep, the music powerful and the guitar is never dull. Awakening Day is a sharp contrast to Michael's work in Crescent Shield as things are much more slick and less raw feeling than that band. Cypher Seer is more power oriented than the stripped down traditional feel of Crescent Shield and this one just succeeds in a different, but equally good way. Both seem to have their place among promising newer bands and I do hope to see both continue. Dividing one's time between two bands can be a difficult task.
In the end Cypher Seer manages to make a smooth but heavy power metal release with a strong guitar presence and epic and occasionally folky touches. The band seems tight and the songwriting varied and distinct enough. I would recommend this release strongly to fans of Onward and epic, heavy power with a smooth and emotive touch like Falconer or Nocturnal Rites. Iced Earth also occasionally comes to mind in that Michael's smooth and deep voice kind of reminds me of Matt Barlow in his lower and more emotive range. Awakening Day is very solid release and a standout for this year so far.
Highlights: Awakening Day, Malachai's Reign, Walk Through Hell, On Chained Down
Rating - 4.0/5
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