Progressive is a term thrown around too loosely, and yet as a genre it’s hard to define.
Technically, it should mean that your music is constantly changing and evolving, experimenting and pushing the boundaries, yet it seems anyone these days who throws a few keyboards over some Maiden-cloned riffs is considered progressive. The other problem with the term is that it can easily be used to mask a lack of musical direction. Cypher16 are made up of young musicians who are all clearly talented but still sound to be finding their own feet.
Influences seem to come right across the rock and metal spectrum, with keyboards adding a power metal sound especially on ‘Symphony To End It All (III)’. ‘Reaper’ owes much more to Metallica, with the Hetfield-esque redneck twang coming across as the music blazes in with a meaty riff that thrashes away until things get a bit messy on the chorus. ‘The Ultimate Paradox’ is a mellow, synth-driven number where the vocals particularly stand out and have a nice tone to them. There is a bit of prog-experimentation dotted around, for example, in the slow parts on ‘Symphony’ while I do like the cosmic intro to ‘Stains Of Time’ where the piano lends me to expect a cover of Robert Miles ‘Children’ to follow, before quickly dispersing into a metallic heavy rhythm while the keys continue to keep a slightly melancholic vibe going for a while.
‘…And The Force (Threw Him Across The Room)’ is the heaviest track, carrying a real angry stomp while there’s even a bit of vocal growling going on. There’s nothing here that is particularly exciting or imaginative, and from this I’m still not sure what Cypher16 are all about. Nevertheless, it is competent enough and what really shines through is their raw passion which has me convinced that with a few years experience and growth they could produce something great.
http://www.myspace.com/cypher16
