Self Released 2013
1.Clones of the Night Sky 2.The Perennial Struggle 3.Epistemology
4.Defying a Natural Process
Yorkshire based duo Cognizance are a studio based death
metal project that utilises the efforts of countless guest musicians. Debut
e.p. ‘Inquisition’ starts with opening track ‘Clones Of The Night Sky’ and what
an introduction to the band this is. Blasting drums accompany brutal and technical
guitars which when combined absolutely pummel. There is a melodic edge to the
guitars which really stands out when compared to many brutal death metal bands.
The band come across as a ‘Unique Leader Records’ style of band, brutal and
effortlessly technical with a melodic edge all extremely well produced and
balanced – great start! ‘The Perennial Struggle’ follows on in suitably brutal
fashion with more of the same except there is more of a technical edge on
display, the guitars switching from dazzling and technical riffs to brutal and
pummelling sledgehammer sections with great ease. There are a lot of guitar solos
utilised which in places are reminiscent of Cynic, not that the band sound in
any way like that, just the way the solos are phrased and played. ‘Epistemology’
is another short, sharp and technically brutal lesson in how to play technical
death metal and play it well. More speed used this time round; the blast beat
sections really show the band at their best. The mix of these faster sections
and the more technical and slower melodic passages works extremely well, not
necessarily unique in the genre, but definitely unique to the UK. Closing this
short e.p. is ‘Defying A Natural Process’ which begins life very technically,
the song structure really been mixed up and showing the bands talents off brilliantly.
It almost sounds out of control but you just know these guys know exactly what
they are doing such is the standard of musicianship on display. Musically there’s
a touch of Atheist, and again Cynic, to their sound. However, the brutal and
guttural death metal vocals really set them aside from such bands. Four tracks
of technical and brutal death metal; this is a highly impressive introduction
to the band. The standard these guys have set is very high and it would be fair
to say you’d be hard pushed to find a brutal death metal band in the UK playing
to such a standard. Comes very highly recommended.
9 Out Of 10
Self Released 2014
1.Assemblage of Ancient Authority 2.Deep Geological Disposal
2014 sees the band release a two track demo and again, the
band utilised the talents of guest musicians to help out. One of the better
known names to appear being drum god Romain Goulon. Opening track ‘Assemblage
Of Ancient Authority’ shows a marked improvement in the bands ability. There’s
more of a technical edge to their sound and approach to song writing and the addition of such a well
renowned drummer has boosted the overall effectiveness of the music. It really
adds new bite to their songs and gives them a much darker and sinister sound.
Having said that, the melodic solos are still being used and the comparisons to
the likes of Atheist and Cynic still stand true. ‘Deep Geological Disposal’
again blasts open unmercifully and again the improvement in the bands playing
and song writing is more than apparent. The stop start technical passages are
mixed brilliantly with the faster blast beat heavy sections and move from one
to the other seamlessly and effortlessly. It’s a real shame there are only two
tracks on offer, and listening to them it’s hard to believe these have just
been produced for a demo. The standard in the production and playing is so high
that there’s no faulting this at all. Hard to believe these guys are unsigned,
surely that won’t be the case for too much longer? Another master-class in
technical and brutal death metal, only two tracks but they again come highly recommended.
If you haven’t heard these guys, get on it now, you won’t be disappointed!
9
out of 10
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