“Have you ever been deceived by your own mind?” they ask us on their web site. This is the sort of question that you see on the back of progressive metal people’s t-shirts. No wonder Sacrum were picked to support Dream Theater in March this year.
Sacrum is a common band name, and to get that one clear first, this is the Argentinian version, as opposed to the Spanish, Greek, American or Polish one. The band formed in 2003, and before “Cognition”, has one EP to its name.
“Cognition” contains a mixture of styles. It’s most definitely progressive with heavy riffs, rock and occasional jazz influences and even on one track a more ethnic sound. It’s an interesting mix but I did find it a bit disjointed. Parts of it are quite bland and yet there are sections which are out of the top drawer. The sound quality is a bit muddy in places which results in an absence of power. There is a 70s or 80s feel about it. The themes are fairly standard for this type – dreams, nightmares, pain, self-esteem etc - and the singer works out of his range, although I found it does improve as the album goes on. The first track “Translation” was not the best advert. It’s progressive and has the hallmarks of that genre, but it’s primarily a competent rock song with a slightly heavier than average riff. The singer’s voice adds nothing special and indeed it sounds a bit of a struggle. Yet in spite of all this there are great moments on the album.
“The Dream Prisoner” has good mobility and feeling, but the vocalist lacks power in the faster sections. On the other hand the guitar/keyboard interplay is excellent. “Stay” starts in the twirling style of Sieges Even before heading into a deep and punchy heavy riff. The track is well constructed but tails off into oblivion. In common within the album as a whole, there’s a dynamic quality missing here. On “Made as One” the guitars sound like Rammstein and there’s fluidity but again no drama. Sacrum deviate refreshingly from the norm on the track “Sacrvm”. Starting with death metal vocals and the usual driving riff, it develops into a pleasant Latin chorus, a Spanish section and some acoustic work. This was by far the most interesting and imaginative track so far. “Innerself” is an invigorating, lively and proggy track, proving they can do it. “Cognition”, a fresh track with a good mix of rock, progressive and jazz-inspired sounds, proves that the band, including the singer, has woken up at last. Each of the many twists and turns is well thought out. The album then ends reflectively with “No Turning Back”, which doesn’t really mirror the overall style but it is in keeping with the lyrics.
“Cognition” isn’t the finished product but diehard progressive fans will probably like it. It has movement but at times it was anonymous and lacked structure. Paradoxically, the best tracks were “Sacrvm”, “Innerself” and “Cognition” which are more adventurous and experimental. Sacrum need to work on their style and sound to produce a more consistent and powerful album. “Cognition” is OK but there’s the potential for something better.
http://www.sacrum.com.ar
http://www.myspace.com/sacrvm
