Cypher 16 – The Metaphorical Apocalypse
5 track EP
I have had this EP in my grubby little mitts for nearly a month now and was eagerly awaiting the go ahead from Jack the bands vocalist to review it in time for the EP launch on May 9th 2011.
I do have two points of constructive criticism though, One being that the cover is slightly disappointing as it depicts Battersea Power Station and this has been done before on the Pink Floyd album ‘Animals’ so think that the band could have come up with a more creative cover. Although, it must be said, that this cover is clearly, more colourful than the original Pink Floyd one. The second point is that the songs just seem to fade into each other so there seems to be no ending of one and beginning of another.
But in all fairness, that being said, everything else pin points perfection, as it is awesomely produced and each track does give out the atmospherics and high energy that are Cypher 16.
The electronic feel to the tracks gives it that theatrical feel. The band tell stories (at least you can conjure up the stories to each song quite clearly just by closing your eyes and listening to the words) through the bands blend of industrial riffs, clean vocals, and insane drumming make this clearly a creative piece of music mastery.
The most unusual thing about Cypher 16 is the title tracks… ‘Crack of thunder, flash of light’ for instance which is used as an introduction being only 1.35 seconds long. Very atmospheric, with melodic moans and a great build up for the second track that is ‘Stones’ which launches into more insane drumming and bone crunching guitar riffs with background sirens…. Nice touch! This song really delivers the goods, which is fast paced through-out.
‘I am Scientist’ the third track on the EP blisters into more brutal and intense drumming which combined with Jacks vocals conjures up a mad scientist in a laboratory conducting mind experiments, very clever use of words, I really like that, as it adds flavor to the mix!
‘The Metaphorical Apocalypse’ has some great keyboard sounds which blend nicely into the track again giving it wider appeal to keyboard enthusiasts like myself, and with the words ringing in your ears ‘it’s no more!’ is in keeping with the onslaught of Nibiru’s approach to earth!
This track fades into the sound of a tide rolling against the dunes with the wind blowing frantically, and a clap of thunder … then it launches like a rocket in full throttle… into ‘Lonely Road’ The story coming to an end…. with the words ‘There is nothing left but me… and she looks up to the sky, the tides are rising higher!’ leaves you in no doubt that the Metaphorical Apocalypse has engulfed humanity apart from one female survivor…. Clearly my favourite track on the EP…. the most played as its chords just nestle into the darkest recesses of the mind and take over… making it indeed the most memorable.
All in all this EP is worth having in your collection. It is truly a monster of unbridled passion for a world that is about to end this is ‘The Metaphorical Apocalypse.’
Carl Dawkins – Bass Guitar
Chris Woollams – Drums
Jack Doolan – Guitar, Vocals, Synths
Stuart Deards – Guitars
