Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Cypecore - Identity (2016)

Sometimes the most wonderful and spectacular bands end up being so underrated. I can say that about Cypecore and any band that's either cyber metal of symphonic deathcore (of course, Lorna Shore is too popular to be underrated). This German futuristic melodeath/groove metal band continues their journey with album #3 Identity!

It's easy to describe this band as a more modernized industrial-ish take on Gothenburg melodeath, but they can be more than that. They can expand the boundaries of their sound to add some fresh uniqueness. At the time of recording this album, guitarist Nils Lesser and drummer Tobias Derer were part of symphonic metal band Beyond the Black. After Identity and that band's second album Lost in Forever came out, Lesser and Derer left Beyond the Black and focused on their main band.

The ominous "Intro" begins the album. Then "Saint of Zion" impresses me with its guitar/keyboard fury to get me hooked. "Where the World Makes Sense" is another powerful anthem. "My Confession" is more melodic, throwing back to classic Fear Factory.

Heads will roll in "Hollow Peace", and you can never turn away from it. The title track attacks with the usual blend of melody and heaviness. "Drive" continues the crushing sound while having some driving speed. The clean-sung "A New Dawn" is one of the best tracks I've heard from this band and the groove/melodeath realms.

"The Abyss" is the only track in this album I would consider weak here without bringing the rating down. The same can almost be said about "The Void" which is a little more rock-ish. The "Outro" goes on for too long and is a little unnecessary. Fortunately, saving the album from losing its 4.5-star rating is the popular bonus track "The Hills Have Eyes". If this was in the standard edition as a regular track, and the previous 3 tracks weren't included, this offering would've been 100% perfect.

Odd tracks aside, Identity shows Cypecore unleashing amazing hits that tear down the walls of conventionality. They stand out amongst the sea of Gothenburg copycats. Nils Lesser is still committed to Cypecore and keeping the band alive, and maybe their future will be more successful!

Favorites: "Saint of Zion", "Where the World Makes Sense", "My Confession", "Identity", "A New Dawn", "The Hills Have Eyes"