cynthesis deevolution

Released: 25 April 2011 Label: Sensory Records

On the first listen to the opening track, one is struck by just how much this sounds like a Jon Petrucci type introductory riff, and the fear is that it’s going to go on for eighteen minutes. Thankfully it doesn’t, but it does raise the question of who Cynthesis are, exactly.

Well, in August 2008, I reviewed an album called Specs of Pictures Burnt Beyond, by Zero Hour. Cynthesis and Zero Hour share the same core players of guitar, bass and keys (Jason and Troy Tripton), so that explains that similarity. It’s not the same as Zero Hour though, it has a darker subject and a darker, richer feel to the album. With the changes to drums and vocals, there is a stronger sound that is more coherent and gives the band a wider capability to introduce a sound that is more progressive than that of Zero Hour, and at the same time, heavier too.

This is an album that demands to be listened to; it can’t be on in the background to provide musical wallpaper, there’s too much going on, and if you don’t listen, you’ll miss out on the rich tapestry of sound.

It travels from that Dream Theater-esque guitar based wizardry on The Man Without Skin and Incision to a mean, atmospheric story on Shallow World and Profits of Disaster, where the lead instrument is the vocal of Eric Rosvold, and lyrics that make you shiver with their bleakness. Sean Flanagan does an excellent job on the drums, providing rock steady (sic) rhythms, but also providing clever off-beat fills. The subject matter of the album too, is an old one, but it’s well told and well performed, although without bringing anything new to the issue. Incidentally, if you want to find out what that subject is, you’ll have to buy the album. It will be worth it.

This album is one that will polarise opinion, either growing relentlessly in your ‘like’ folder, or spiralling down into your wastebasket. For me, it gets stronger with each listen.

by Alan Thomson