CYPHER SEER
Roselle Park, New Jersey, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
Website: http://www.seaoftranquility.org/article.php?sid=1496
Venue: Gramercy Theatre (New York, NY)
Written By: Pete Pardo Posted on Sunday, March 07 2010 @ 08:24:12 CST by
Unfortunately, arriving at the Gramercy Theater just a tad late and having to then deal with will call and coat check, I was unable to catch much of openers Phoenix Rain, but their style of power metal with female vocals seemed to go over well with the crowd. However, the next act, Cypher Seer, seemed to kick things up a notch with their brand of Fates Warning styled power-progressive metal. Playing material mostly from their album Awakening Day, the band, with a very different line-up than who recorded the CD, tore through a short but enjoyable set long on powerful vocals, thick & crunchy riffs, and interesting arrangements. Cypher Seer are apparently hard at work on a new CD with the current line-up, so hopefully we'll see that sometime this year. Fans of power & progressive metal would be well advised to check this band out.
- PETE PARDO, SEA OF TRANQUILITY
Website: http://www.piercingmetal.com/concert_epica_012910.htm
Venue: Gramercy Theatre (New York, NY)
Written By: Ken Pierce (copyright 2010) for PiercingMetal.com
Cypher Seer: I had seen Cypher Seer a few months ago and while I kind of enjoyed them, that particular evening I had to say that I also kind of didn’t. I am not sure why because they plays a brand of Metal that is one of my favorites. Tonight they would deliver and impress me quite a bit and I was also surprised when I looked up on the stage and saw keyboardist Mike Khalilov. I’ve known Mike K. for a couple of years around the Metal scene and enjoyed his Empyreon band which we covered a few months ago at their gig down at Lit Lounge. He did great bringing the music of Cypher Seer to larger life tonight and they were very impressive with what they were doing as I had said. I view them as classic Power Metal, but one that employs quite a bit of technical diversity to the mix. To my knowledge they have two albums available out on Sentinel Steel Records and we will try and get around to reviewing them sometime in the future. After their set they hit the merchandise stand and had a lot of people talking to them. The same applied for the just performed Phoenix Reign. It was nice to see two local bands knocking the audience for a loop instead of having them hit the bar or go out for a cigarette. Folks who remember Arctic Flame might appreciate the fact that guitarist Rod Mariani is now a part of this lineup.
- KEN PIERCE for PiercingMetal
Awakening Day
Formerly known as Malakis Reign, this debut album of US power metal features great melodies, amazing guitarwork and passionate vocals. The lineup on 'Awakening Day' includes past and present members of Gothic Knights, Arctic Flame, Onward, Crescent Shield and Legend Maker. Best described as a blend of Iced Earth's 'Something Wicked This Way Comes' meets Symphony X's 'The Divine Wings Of Tragedy'. - OMEGA ORDER
Discography
AWAKENING DAY, 2007
Produced by Fredrik Nordstom
Sentinel Steel Records
191 RADIO LOCAL HOT SHOTS VOL. 1, 2010
191 Global Radio & A. Music Media
Track 2 of 14, "Dying Force"
(compilation of "15 Hottest MidAtlantic Artists of 2010")
DYING FORCE (SINGLE), 2010
Produced by Fredrik Nordstom
BLOOD FOR NEW LIFE, TBR 2010
Produced by Fredrik Nordstrom
LABEL PENDING
Photos
Bio
Cypher Seer is a melodic heavy metal band that emerged from central New Jersey in early 2003. Initially known as Malakis Reign, Cypher Seer quickly created a buzz with their unique brand of heavy metal, mixing an American Power Metal style with bits of European flavor. Whether on their recordings or during live shows, Cypher Seer always pushes the envelope in order to keep the experience fresh and their fans interested.
The history of Cypher Seer has included a lot of big names in the metal industry such as James Rivera (Helstar, Vicious Rumors) and Mike LePond (Symphony X). However, the most notable name is producer extraordinaire Fredrik Nordstrom. Nordstrom’s magic can be heard on "Awakening Day", Cypher Seer’s debut album.
After the release of Awakening Day, the band had parted ways with their singer, drummer and bassist. During the winter of 2008, the rebuilding process began with the search for a new vocalist. The spot was quickly filled by Zeno Rodrigo, a powerful singer whose voice would redefine the sound of Cypher Seer. With the focal point of the band accounted for, auditions continued for the remainder of the rhythm section. In the end, drummer Lee Corrado and bassist Kristian Lolo were the two musicians selected to fill the roster, and Cypher Seer was reborn.
Now, armed with an improved line-up, Cypher Seer returns with the recording of their sophomore album, "Blood For New Life". With Fredrik Nordstrom once again behind the mixing board, the new album brings a more powerful and ambitious album than their debut.
The vision, sound, and drive are completely in sync, as a new era begins…
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