Promo 95

This is the second of two superb Cyanotic demos. This Danish band had already re-imagined melodic death metal on their 1992 demo ("The Chasm Within"). Three years later, they returned to challenge perceptions about progressive, doomy death metal. This one sounds like a different band. They opt for a slower, more methodical and crushing sound this time. It isn't quite death/doom but it verges on it (lots of double-bass drumming, mammoth riffs and bellowed vocals). It isn't 'melodic death metal' either. There is plenty of melody, but both Cyanotic and that genre had evolved in opposite directions between 1992 and 1995.

Line-up changes could explain the shift in approach. The most significant change was on lead guitar, Kresten Koch being replaced by Jacob Krogholt. The latter’s presence takes the band away from the speedy, fluid, melodic and technical style of the past. These new songs are denser, darker, longer and more abrasive. Krogholt plays 'rock star' solos over ugly, jarring riffs. His style is unusual for death metal, being bluesy and explosive (a balance between tutored knowledge and wild abandon). The band also welcomed a new vocalist in Jan Rasmussen. He had a devastating growl (somewhere between Martin van Drunen and a young Aaron Stainthorpe). This meant that bassist (and former vocalist) Claus Larson could concentrate on his instrument, and he played some gorgeous sounding noodles behind the riffs (the breakdown in "Destiny Vanished" is a perfect example).

There are four songs. All of them are amazing. There is enough musical sophistication to distinguish the band from others in the genre, but the sophistication is blended with the ferocity and angularity. The production captures the balance perfectly. This is the best possible old school death metal production. It sounds bottomless and cavernous, the solos are crisp, the vocals are demonic (especially Larson's backing vocals), the bass floats like an entity of its own. Compare this to the lifeless production on the band’s subsequent album ("Sapphire Season") to see how far the band fell. Only one of these songs ("Salvation Accomplished") would later appear on the album. I'm sure you can guess which version sounds better.

Cyanotic's obscure history and evolution is fascinating. They deserve credit for re-configuring their sound and, arguably, besting their first demo in the process. This music sounds ‘out of time’ for 1994/95. Melodic death metal and second wave black metal were emerging at this point, and Cyanotic made concessions to neither. I love hearing a band who took their own route and followed their creative impulse, regardless of trends and tropes. This demo is recommended for anyone with an interest in the progressive/technical side of old school death metal and death/doom (i.e., bands like early Dark Millennium, Amboss, early My Dying Bride, Dr. Shrinker, Pan.Thy.Monium, etc.). This demo is as good as the best material from any of the above. Yes, it is that good.