Cipher System – Communicate the Storms (2011)

Being huge fans of Melodic Death Metal, we are always excited when a good band finally returns with an impressive release. Cipher System’s last release was back in 2004 with “Central Tunnel 8”, and with “Communicate the Storms” they have returned with a very effective Melodic Death Metal sound that can easily position them among the best in 2011.

Featuring ex-members of Anata and Nightrage, Cipher System delivers 10 tracks of unpretentious Melodic DM in a similar fashion to genre legends: Dark Tranquility. There are almost no fancy elements in this release, just a solid foundation of catchy riffing, atmospheric keyboards, tight drumming and very direct vocals. There is no need to re-invent the wheel, and Cipher system excels at creating a very traditional but effective sound that will appeal to any fan of the genre.

Immediately with “7 Inch Cut”, the band fuses futuristic keyboard sounds with crushing distorted guitars and powerful vocals. The magic really comes when the ‘ethereal’ passage hits around the one-minute mark and changes the direction of the song very nicely. The clean vocals are actually quite melodic and a very good fit for the band’s style. There are some ‘Modern Metal’ elements here and there, but they can nicely hide behind the melodic nature of the music.

“Forget to Forgive” and “Communicate The Storms” deliver a very straightforward approach, but “Gods Terminal” is where the band’s sound really shines. In this track the atmospheric keyboards are very nicely used, but the best parts are the melodic slowdowns. Almost hitting Metalcore territories, the band never loses focus on their peculiar sound. The only issue we have with this release is that it quickly gets repetitive and on “End My Path” we can start to notice it.

The combination of futuristic keyboards and melodic guitar sections like on “Objection” deliver the full power of Cipher System. In said sections, the band’s crafts very melodic and intense sections that are exactly what any fan of Dark Tranquility would kill for. If you are looking for atmospheric guitar sections, “A Lesson Learned” features one of the best ones we have heard in quite a while. Closing the album with the powerful tracks “Project Life Collapse” and “The Failure Starts”, the band nicely infuses sick solos and a massive drumming sound.

Melodic Death Metal has recently changed into all kinds of nasty directions and it is very nice to hear that Cipher System keeps the genre alive and semi-intact for all the new listeners to keep enjoying for years. “Communicate The Storms” features excellent guitar work paired with brilliant atmospheric elements and powerful vocals that allow the album to be on our top 10 list of 2011 for Melodic DM.

Release: October 11th, 2011

Country: Sweden