In keeping with the true spirit of this album, I’m going to keep this review fairly simple. That is the one thing that really strikes me upon listening to Dartmouth, Nova Scotia's Cicada. This is actually a very simplified, no-bullshit serving of really good metal. In fact, I would find it rather difficult to categorize these guys into any kind of proper sub-genre, only because they offer such a seamless sonic amalgam of some long celebrated metal formulas. There are no over-the-top expressions that suggest any particular scene or niche, which is not necessarily a bad thing. One thing is for sure, there is no risk of them being confused with the European electro-pop group of the same name. There are plenty of killer riffs, sinister grooves and fierce vocals to make that absolutely certain. However, since they were insistent on using the name, I might have suggested giving their album a proper title. This would make them much easier to Google.
Anyway, “Cleansing of The Wicked” gets things started with a harmonized guitar pattern which successively bursts into a very distinguished power-chorded assault, and has a very mechanical like groove. This was the best possible choice for the lead track. Although the pace trudges along, the rhythm has a very pleasingly distinctive feel. “In Same” is a showcase of shifting tempos, which employs an underlying slow burning melody that carries the song through an array of time signatures. “Benefactor of Chaos” exploits a severely heavy rhythmic attack, propelled by an industriously disciplined drum beat that evokes images of the Devil driving relentless stakes into the heart of humanity. “Steel Crusher” is another noteworthy highlight, which opens with a Conan The Barbarian sound clip before fearlessly charging into a tumultuous racket. Despite the unyielding furor, the song features some very carefully pronounced rhythms and impressively concordant modal executions.
The only real criticism I could possibly offer here would relate to the production quality. There is definitely a tastefully rough edge to the overall sonic ethos, which for the most part complements the aggressive temperament of the record. However, my one complaint is that the vocals are largely, somewhat buried in the mix. In listening to most of these songs, I find myself wanting to hear the vocals more prominent and up front. However, this is a very minor complaint when considering the spectrum of musical virtues offered here. The riffs are engaging, and there is an impressive range of dynamics. Although rather simple in formula, the band still manages to create an interesting mosaic of tasteful sonic elements, which effectively invokes discomforting moods of misanthropy and disaffection. In other words, everything a great metal album should do.
http://www.cicadametal.com/
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