CIPHER SYSTEM / BY NIGHT „Split Ep”

Genre: Melodic Death/Thrash
www.cipher-system.com
www.bynightonline.com

This release is somewhat of a departure for Germany’s Lifeforce label. Predominately a Metalcore label (and one of the better ones), most of their roster is made up of local German, American or UK acts. I’m positive that Lifeforce have other ‘foreign’ bands on their list, but in order to find new acts to sign, I’m not so certain if they’ve ventured to Northern Scandinavia all that often. Surprisingly (for me at least), this new six-track split ep features two upcoming bands from Sweden – Cipher System and By Night.

The other surprise for me with this release is that both acts are not Metalcore bands. For Lifeforce, this is a bold but necessary venture. I am pleased that they are attempting to broaden their horizons and include other styles on their roster. The only slight problem I have with Cipher System (and to a lesser extent, By Night) is that their music is not exactly groundbreaking and the signing of these bands to Lifeforce may just be an attempt to drain the last drop out of what is now a less than fertile breeding ground. Specifically, I’m talking about Swedish Melodic Death Metal.

As a comparison, it is Cipher System that comes out second best on this release. The three songs that they put forth here are all solidly delivered but certainly offer nothing that a million others haven’t tried over the past eight years. Taking their cues from Soilwork, In Flames and a healthy does of Finnish-style wispiness, Cipher System are a rather faceless act – they play predictable, standard fare, keyboard laden (that’s the Finnish influence) melodic death. It’s all competent enough and well-played material, but it won’t have you lusting for their forthcoming full length (Central Tunnel 8) anytime soon. They would have to dramatically improve in their overall song writing dynamics and production values to make any sort of long lasting impact.

Needless to say, Falkenburg’s By Night fares much better on this disc. Their music is much more in line with the Lifeforce Metalcore philosophy. Not only are they are a far heavier act than Cipher System; they also have that essential urgency and energy that makes this music so compelling (particularly when it’s done well). Having said that, By Night is nothing groundbreaking either. Their style is based on a hybrid death/thrash sound whilst incorporating a slightly ‘Meshuggah-like’ technicality at times (particularly in the jagged, choppy riffs of Andre Gonzales and Simon Wien). The harsh shouty Adrian Westin vocals give rise to the hardcore elements that also reside in the By Night blueprint.

Overall, it is By Night that appears to have the front running with this release. They have the far meatier, aggressive sound and while they can still be categorized as rather generic in style, I find their music much more appealing than the carbon copy, paint by numbers efforts of Cipher System. I will be giving these two acts every chance to impress me further upon the release of their debut full lengths. A major improvement on this split ep is obviously expected from both this hack and the bands I’m sure.

note: 6.5/10

Tracklist

Cipher System:
1. What If
2. Receive, Retrieve And Escalate
3. Sufferstream

By Night:
4. Lamentation
5. Unseen Oppression
6. Obsessed To Hate