Cypher16

Hailing from London and the Midlands, UK experimental Metallers Cypher 16 consist of Tom Clarke on bass, Chris Wooliams on drums and percussion, Jack Doolan on Guitar, vocals and synth and finally guitarist Julian Shiu. "The Man Of The Black Abyss" is a four track EP released through Constant Evolution Records.

The opening track is cold and technical sounding piece entitled "Symphony To End It All [III]" which speaks of death and ending it all, as the name kight suggest. Vocally very raw and growling, guitar wise the band sport a dramatic sound that builds to a great climax as the song progresses. The drumming is of a good standard as is the bass play and match the more prominent parts of the band really well. "The Ultimate Paradox" speaks of a quest, a journey, never ending and forever vexing the mind. The temp is raised on this track which has a fast flowing rhythm to it. Vocally much more pleasant and soothing than the previous track. One drawback for me is the lyrics whilst well writen are spoken in an almost half rap style until the chorus kicks in and the singing can begin again, but while that doesn't peak my own interest it does show a band with a great deal of diversity.

Track three is a much more electronically minded number called "Superdancer" which hosts a much more fast and sporadic industrial metal sound and is by far the track of the EP. If anyone has ever listened to wakefield band K.O.Kaine, the sound for "Superdancer" is along those lines. Vocally though a really heavy side of the band breaks through and shows the outer limit of the bands hostility and aggression. Winding up the EP is "...And The Force [Threw Him Across The Room]" which starts with a cery cool duet of fast drumming and simple but catchy riff-age. There is almost a Thrash feel to this track with awesome rolling riffs, hard vocals and fast catchy pace throughout, a great ending!

"The Man Of The Black Abyss" is an EP that gets better as it progresses. The band themselves are dark minded and capable of extreme heaviness, but for the most part settle for being catchy and entertaining, and thats always a good thing.

4 Out Of 5
Deathdoom promotions
- Deathdoom promotions

Hailing from London and the Midlands, UK experimental Metallers Cypher 16 consist of Tom Clarke on bass, Chris Wooliams on drums and percussion, Jack Doolan on Guitar, vocals and synth and finally guitarist Julian Shiu. "The Man Of The Black Abyss" is a four track EP released through Constant Evolution Records.

The opening track is cold and technical sounding piece entitled "Symphony To End It All [III]" which speaks of death and ending it all, as the name kight suggest. Vocally very raw and growling, guitar wise the band sport a dramatic sound that builds to a great climax as the song progresses. The drumming is of a good standard as is the bass play and match the more prominent parts of the band really well. "The Ultimate Paradox" speaks of a quest, a journey, never ending and forever vexing the mind. The temp is raised on this track which has a fast flowing rhythm to it. Vocally much more pleasant and soothing than the previous track. One drawback for me is the lyrics whilst well writen are spoken in an almost half rap style until the chorus kicks in and the singing can begin again, but while that doesn't peak my own interest it does show a band with a great deal of diversity.

Track three is a much more electronically minded number called "Superdancer" which hosts a much more fast and sporadic industrial metal sound and is by far the track of the EP. If anyone has ever listened to wakefield band K.O.Kaine, the sound for "Superdancer" is along those lines. Vocally though a really heavy side of the band breaks through and shows the outer limit of the bands hostility and aggression. Winding up the EP is "...And The Force [Threw Him Across The Room]" which starts with a cery cool duet of fast drumming and simple but catchy riff-age. There is almost a Thrash feel to this track with awesome rolling riffs, hard vocals and fast catchy pace throughout, a great ending!

"The Man Of The Black Abyss" is an EP that gets better as it progresses. The band themselves are dark minded and capable of extreme heaviness, but for the most part settle for being catchy and entertaining, and thats always a good thing.

4 Out Of 5
Deathdoom promotions
- Deathdoom promotions

A great merge of electronic and metal influences with hints of industrial buts thats as close to a genre definition you can get, "and the force" it is a purely metal track but with the others it can shift seamlessly from mellow instruments and synths to aggressive riffs. As an ep its all killer no filler - Work buy eat die

A good mix of alt-metal and euro power. - Metal Hammer

A good mix of alt-metal and euro power. - Metal Hammer

London newcomers Cypher16 are destined to make a huge noise in the metal scene if this E.P. is anything to go by. A mature air surrounds the four tracks that make up this release and the band combine traditional rock/metal guitar elements with synth effects to create a unique musical mix. The playing is tight and possesses some seriously meaty riffs on the opening track Symphony To End It All (III). Cypher16 also makes use of the extreme talent of each individual on their chosen instrument and the complex, yet melodic nature of the songs can be heard throughout the E.P.

The marriage of influences and sounds makes this album sound familiar and comfortable, yet new at the same time. Superdancer was reminiscent of Fear Factory, both musically and vocally and is a departure from the more rock infused sound Cypher16 have, but demonstrating that the band are no ‘one trick pony’, they have plenty in their musical arsenal. The final track goes back to a more traditional metal sound with plenty of time changes and heavy riffs. Cypher16 should be listened to as they have huge amounts of talent and potential to match.
7/10

GLENN BUTLER - Glenn Butler - Powerplay/Metal Hammer magazines

London newcomers Cypher16 are destined to make a huge noise in the metal scene if this E.P. is anything to go by. A mature air surrounds the four tracks that make up this release and the band combine traditional rock/metal guitar elements with synth effects to create a unique musical mix. The playing is tight and possesses some seriously meaty riffs on the opening track Symphony To End It All (III). Cypher16 also makes use of the extreme talent of each individual on their chosen instrument and the complex, yet melodic nature of the songs can be heard throughout the E.P.

The marriage of influences and sounds makes this album sound familiar and comfortable, yet new at the same time. Superdancer was reminiscent of Fear Factory, both musically and vocally and is a departure from the more rock infused sound Cypher16 have, but demonstrating that the band are no ‘one trick pony’, they have plenty in their musical arsenal. The final track goes back to a more traditional metal sound with plenty of time changes and heavy riffs. Cypher16 should be listened to as they have huge amounts of talent and potential to match.
7/10

GLENN BUTLER - Glenn Butler - Powerplay/Metal Hammer magazines