CYSTIC
CYSTIC "Palace Of Shadows"
By Dr. Abner Mality
CYSTIC on the surface are very much death metal traditionalists and treading well known ground, but a closer listen to "Palace of Shadows" shows that there's some intellect amidst the much. There is potential for this band to reach another level if they want to.
It's very much rooted in the classicism of early MORBID ANGEL, IMMOLATION and INCANTATION, leaning a bit more to the doomier side of things. Yes, many bands work this side of the street. CYSTIC know how to do it well, though, and tracks like "Stygian Deep" and "Pestilential Throne" crawl forth from the familiar Lovecraftian abyss. The sound is suitably murky and analog, with the drums sounding a bit hollow at times. However, a listen to the surprisingly serene "Vistas" and "Afterglow" show a more melodic sense at work. "XIII" (A Rapture In Blood) and "Core of the Maelstrom" are more thoughtful in approach than mere icky INCANTATION worship.
In summation, CYSTIC haven't quite pulled ahead of the massive pack of grimy death metal bands yet, but they sure have the ability to do so. We shall see...