Highly crafted technical guitar work was always going to be on the menu, given that Zero Hour’s Jasun and Troy Tipton are part of Cynthesis, and so it is. I met the brothers at ProgPower Europe in 2008 and was greatly struck by their presence and grounded intelligence. For the Cynthesis project, the Tiptons have teamed up with their former band mate and vocalist Erik Rosvold who in recent times has been with Enchant. DeEvolution is the first album from this Progressive Metal outfit. Its theme is the exploitation of a community leader by a group of industrialists who plan to influence the masses in respect of religion, media, consumerism and government. As written it all sounds rather dry but this album is anything but that.
If I have one small criticism of this album, it is that it can be too earnest. I can imagine lovers of Pain of Salvation and Dream Theater and those fans of intense lyrics in general bombarding me with slogans like “would you trade your life for just one dime”. Beyond that “DeEvolution” is faultless. The vocals are pure, strong and sensitive and do complete justice to the sad and sinister themes they convey. I very much liked the fact there’s no rush and so intense melancholy and discomfort creep up on us on “Shallow World” and “A Song of Unrest”, both of which ooze subtlety and finesse. From the outset, there’s a hypnotic quality to the music. The opening track, “The Man Without Skin” is incredibly moving, as Rosvold’s are powerfully reminiscent of Pink Floyd in their emotive monotony. The strong, repetitive riff reinforces the mood and is recognisably in the style of Zero Hour.
As you might expect, guitar virtuosity is at its height on this album. Sometimes it’s heavy, sometimes it’s technical but it’s always powerful, thoughtful and appropriate to the dark theme. The strength lies in the skill at all levels, the co-ordination and structure of the tracks. We go from the dreamy, technical and memorable “Incision” to transforming “Divided Day”, for me the most potent track on this album. Lush, high in the range guitar magic gives way to a warm and soulful passage. An orchestral background adds an extra layer. Lyrical and vocal emotions correspond to the instrumental mood. The style is of course Progressive. The technical passages make it special and serve as a wall to the powerfully and clearly delivered lyrics. The purity of the vocals then contrast with the controlled heaviness. There’s lots going on here but there’s a common thread. “Divided Day” is like a story being told. It has great impact.
“DeEvolution” stays in my head. There’s so much to appreciate about it on a number of levels. It improves with each listen. It’s intelligent, powerful and delightful. I very much look forward to the next instalment of the Cynthesis project.
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