Sound Apocalypse
Power Metal
Riffs of Rebellion🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: Ceremonial Vigour
Track 2: A Brain Dead Memoir
Track 3: Chiselled in Stone
Track 4: Introspection
Track 5: Futureless Horizon
Track 6: The Towering Monument
Track 7: Alferov
Track 8: Shock Heuristics
Track 9: Broadcast of the Gods
Track 10: In Verses Unspoken
🎸 Album Review:
Cognizance, the progressive death metal powerhouse known for their technical prowess and boundary-pushing sound, has returned with their highly anticipated album ‘Phantazein’. This 10-track opus is a masterclass in intricate musicianship, brutal intensity, and thought-provoking themes that delve into the depths of the human psyche and beyond.
From the opening track “Ceremonial Vigour,” it is immediately apparent that ‘Phantazein’ is a sonic journey like no other. The album’s sound is a perfect blend of blistering death metal aggression and progressive intricacy, with complex rhythms, swirling melodies, and jaw-dropping technicality that showcase the band’s virtuosity. Each track is a sonic assault on the senses, with relentless blast beats, razor-sharp riffs, and guttural vocals that cut through the mix like a knife.
Thematically, ‘Phantazein’ explores the dark recesses of the mind, touching on concepts of introspection, existentialism, and the mysteries of the universe. Tracks like “A Brain Dead Memoir” and “Introspection” delve into the complexities of the human experience, while “Futureless Horizon” and “Broadcast of the Gods” ponder the vastness of the cosmos and our place within it. The lyrics are poetic and introspective, adding an extra layer of depth to the already dense musical landscape.
Standout tracks on the album include “Chiselled in Stone,” a relentless onslaught of technical riffing and pummeling drums that showcase the band’s ability to seamlessly blend brutality and complexity. The haunting melodies and atmospheric interludes in “The Towering Monument” provide a brief respite from the chaos, while still maintaining a sense of unease and tension that permeates the entire album. “Alferov” stands out as a shining example of Cognizance’s ability to craft epic, multi-layered compositions that take the listener on a journey through the darkest corners of the mind.
In comparison to their previous albums, ‘Phantazein’ sees Cognizance pushing their sound even further into uncharted territory. While their previous releases were certainly no slouch in terms of technicality and aggression, ‘Phantazein’ takes things to a whole new level. The band’s songwriting has evolved, with more emphasis on dynamics, atmosphere, and melody, creating a more immersive listening experience that rewards repeated spins.
Overall, ‘Phantazein’ is a tour de force of progressive death metal that solidifies Cognizance’s place as one of the genre’s most innovative and exciting bands. The album is a dense, challenging listen that requires multiple listens to fully appreciate its depth and complexity. From the mind-bending technicality of tracks like “Shock Heuristics” to the haunting beauty of “In Verses Unspoken,” ‘Phantazein’ is a journey into the unknown that will leave listeners breathless and craving more.
In conclusion, ‘Phantazein’ is a stunning achievement from Cognizance, a band at the height of their creative powers. With this album, they have crafted a work of art that transcends the boundaries of death metal and stands as a testament to the power of music to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and transport listeners to otherworldly realms. ‘Phantazein’ is a must-listen for fans of technical, progressive metal and a shining example of what can be achieved when musicians push themselves to their limits.
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