Cypher Seer - Origins

Power Metal
Nightmare Records

2011

1. Bloodline
2. The Curse
3. Dying Force
4. Faith Renounced
5. Aftermass
6. From The Womb
7. Soul Sacrifice
8. Red Rain
9. Haunted Saga Part II - Infinite Trance
10. Haunted Saga Part II - Lost, Plagued, And Redefined
11. Haunted Saga Part II - As I Embrace The End

Origins is an album I had to approach with some skepticism from the beginning. There are some vocalists out there which are just hard to replace and I'd consider Michael Grant to be one of them. I absolutely love his voice and when I heard the new album would not include him I couldn't help but be nervous. I really enjoyed the debut and I feared this just wouldn't be the same.

After listening and while I do miss Michael Grant's presence, it's probably not the biggest problem here. The new singer Zerno Rodrigo isn't half bad. He has a fairly powerful voice in fact, though I can't help but think the actual vocal melodies and his use of his voice is not as strong as Grant's. Another vocal problem springs up though in the sprinkling of harsher vocals in the music which doesn't seem to belong. Also, a larger gripe would be the constant erratic beats and upbeat pace. I find this album started to wear on me quickly as much of the music sounds the same and never builds a steady, strong rhythm. The music here is heavy power metal that seems like it's trying just a little hard to constantly be heavy. I think part of the erratic feel comes from the fact the guitar and the drums often seem like they're not exactly on the same page either. Even when the guitar slows down a bit the drums are all over the damned place at times.

In the end, I think this album is an OK heavy power metal release with a bit of a Euro sound about it (even though they're from New Jersey), but this doesn't really have the personality/originality to be great and comes off as just a little sloppy at times. I find that every song has a certain little something that bothers me whether it's some ill placed harsh vocals or some bad drumming. I also much favored Michael Grant's melodies at the helm and the somewhat more paced approach on the first album.

Highlights: Dying Force, Soul Sacrifice

Rating - 2.5/5

Cypher Seer - Awakening Day

Power Metal
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