Cyanotic - Tragedy Plus Time Equals Comedy

2008-05-24

Hailing from Vancouver British Columbia, Canada, Cyanotic has proven itself to be masters both in the studio as well as on the stage. I first be came aware of this band after seeing them open for Disturbed in 2005, and quite frankly was totally blown away by there performance and presence. Although the album "Tragedy Plus Time Equals Comedy" was first released in late 2004,it has recently been re-released in 2008 , and i must honestly say it is one of those rarities that captivates the listener from the first track until the very last track. This band has showed audiences time and time again what metal is all about as they opened for Disturbed, Mudvayne, Damage Plan and countless others over the past 5 years. The following is a track by track review of this metal feast.

1)Clifton-This opener is a heavy as f**K riff laden monster that shows that the bands front man(Conan Freeman), has exactly what it takes to growl his way into the books of metals finest. A definite set the pace for introduction into the world of Cyanotic.

2)Move- face smashing riffs, dynamics that take it up and down with operation like precision, and harmonies that show absolute versatility,describe this song to an absolute tea.

3)Slaves of Grace-This one is very similar to a few songs on this album ,although not a same sounding drone at all, I'm talking similar only in structure as the content is all original and ass kicking all the way.

4)Waiting for a Martyr-With its acoustic intro, big time dynamics, and slow tempo riffing, this songs reminds me what tool would sound like on steroids!!!!And that is a compliment!

5)Input3-This song takes us to a place where heavy palm muting rules supreme over all living creatures. It has a hold no bars approach to invoking the listener into complete submission.

6)Mark:13- If there ever was a soundtrack made especially for a mosh pit then this song would be it. It is a steady sonic rage with short harmonies that makes this song an unstoppable force to be reckoned with.

7)Odium-The band really shows some of its many influences on this track. Its Meshugga,Mudvayne and Maynard all wrapped into one sick package and Cyanotic is the string holding it all together,and of cause as they all are,the track is complete metal mayhem and a head bangers wet dream.

8)Necro-I have spoken of harmonies in most of the songs so far, so get ready for....NONE!! this song is a juggernaught of pure metal riffing and screaming vocals with small interludes that turn into a bloodbath of the senses.

9)A Mile Before Me-This song reminds me alot of mid 90s metal that was the variety that was true and not the nu metal garbage that cropped up for a short time. With an intro riff that brings forth visions of Sepultura this one is banging all the way,and is a brave display of 90s meets millennium.

10)Bottom feeder- Drop-d tuning always makes a person feel dirty,like your fighting in the mud with a war pig. This one is a down tuned assault that puts u into a very dark state of mind,and u will love every twisted second of listening to it!!

11)Anomaly-With its eerie,creeping guitars and beautiful vocals this song sounds like Layne Staley (RIP) himself is crooning from some distant place from beyond the grave. I say bravo on this tasteful display of songwritting.

12)-Whiskey Corvette- Showing that this band has a great sense of humour,this song is a farce of what was time of huge hair ,makeup and spandex wearing so called metal. And i might ad an embarrassing memory for many haha!!

13)-Through the Slow Winds....This song is a cross between humour and tribute, it sounds like Type O Negative on a bad heroin trip .

14)- The final track of the album, you think it to be heavy? hardcore? hardhitting ....WRONG!! this outro track is a Barry White plays at a hotel lounge while singing metal lyrics combination. its classic and i love how the band shows they do have heart and laughter in there music.


This album shows that even though a band releases an independent album that is no excuse for less than perfect production, The second Cyanotic album is in the works at this moment and although I've only heard small samples of this completely self produced second effort i have to say once again the production is of the exact same variety as this first release, professional. To say i have totally enjoyed this album is an obvious understatement, I am going to give it a 9/10 for their overall effort and I am really looking froward to their upcoming second release!!!

Lee Mackay