Cypher 16 – The man of the black abyss
“Bonus edition” 6 Track CD
Constant Evolution Records 2009
What do you get if you combine, rock, metal, with a hint of electronic and a pinch of industrial? Answer Cypher 16.
They are a 4 piece band hailing from the London area and surprisingly have toured not only India but America too, according to their “my space” page. Not only that they have supported such bands as “Mudvayne” as well as filmed their 2008 EP “Symphony to end it all” on location at the awe inspiring Gloucester Cathedral. Pretty impressive stuff I would say.
It is clear from looking at the tasteful inside cover that, this band are a force to be reckoned with. Jack writes all the lyrics, whilst Chris, Julian, Tom and indeed Jack all have an input into the weird and wonderful and indeed brutal sounds that are Cypher 16.
It seems as if Cypher 16 have gone through a line up change since making this CD produced in 2009, as Carl Dawkins now plays bass and Stuart Deards plays guitar for the band in the current line up.
This CD has a lot to offer. “A Symphony to end it all” is the first track which blends a curiously crushing tempo with some explosive drumming, inter-woven with some eerie whispers and savage riffing and if you shove the CD into your computer, you can see the video to the track. A very professional video too! This is where we are introduced to the man of the black abyss, complete in black robe falling from the rooftops and landing into what looks like a black mass on the concrete below, only to survive and plague the band in their video making indistinct appearances at intervals in shadow throughout.
“The ultimate paradox” is a blend of intriguing crisp vocals from Jack who commands the music, as it twists and turns into a melody of sounds. Distorted electronic keys give it that raw edge which turns into a fierce but fading end.
“Reaper” blisters into some break neck riffing, with a very full and catchy melody. Like a short sharp shock, it gets the pulse rate up.
It has to be said though that Jacks vocals seem to be somewhat strained at this point, but none the less they deliver some exceptional savage riffs which save this song ending brusquely!
“Stains of time” opens with some beautiful keyboards and some odd sounds that can only be described as distant birds. The sound immediately fuses into some awesome drumming which carries the song further into the realms of hyperactivity. An extremely intense track in its offering and rapidly diminishes.
“Superdancer” opens with some nice wind tunneling growls, combined with savagery and more twiddly bits than Dr Who’s tardis! It is quite an epic and complex track with awesome atmospheric resonance that builds up over time with a voice over accompanied by some wholesome guitar that yet again, ends suddenly.
“And the force (threw him across the room)” Great track! Great title! Ends the album by delving into some exploding awesome riff wizardry, and more wind tunnel growls, quite hard to imagine Jack singing the higher notes but he has an extreme vocal range that is very apparent after listening to the previous track, so not surprising really!
All in all this CD offers a variety of intriguing sounds, splendiferous spidery riffages, and an extreme array of vocals, and to add to that a very professional video. Definitely deserves a listen or three!
Tom Clarke – Bass Guitar
Chris Woollams – Drums
Jack Doolan – Guitar, Vocals, Synths
Juilan Shiu – Guitars
