Cognizance – Phantazein

Written by on 17-02-2024 at 17:16.

Cognizance are from the UK and have been active in the metal scene for over ten years, producing three EPs and two full-length albums. Now, the band is unveiling the concept album Phantazein. The album is released by the esteemed label Willowtip Records, a departure from their previous releases on Prosthetic Records. The band describes the concept as transcending their own boundaries, with the central theme being the interaction between art, obsession, and the influence of one’s environment. The band asserts a respectful disregard for conforming to fan expectations, choosing to forge their own path in terms of musical direction.

What is crystal clear is that we are dealing with a high-quality band. Cognizance plays technical death metal at a high pace with deep growls. The band’s earlier releases incorporated technical death with various progressive influences, including female clean vocals, unique instrumentation, and unusual rhythms. However, on Phantazein, Cognizance leans slightly towards a more direct approach. The band’s songwriting skills were already impressive, but on this album they raise the bar even higher. The guitars are exceptionally good and abundant, with each song built on unique riffs, showcasing the band’s creativity. The music exudes elegant technical death metal, featuring high-pitched guitar lines and in the lower layers chords that create a mysterious and melodramatic effect.

With driving riffs alternating in tempo and often followed by technical prowess, the band creates a delightful interplay, making this a highly interesting album. The technical elements are far from exaggerated and complement the songs perfectly. The emotions conveyed in the songs are occasionally breathtaking. Combining dark, brutal death metal with fantastic riffs and the feelings expressed during technical moments Cognizance has not only met but exceeded my expectations. This is their best work. Give this album a listen, at least once, as the band deserves broader recognition. This task is challenging, given the fact that on January 26 Blood Red Throne, Vitriol, and Exocrine have released their new albums too, along with about sixty other bands on our promo list. While listening, I couldn’t help but be reminded of bands like Gorod, Decrepit Birth and Revocation.

Score:

91/100

Label:

Willowtip Records, 2024

Tracklisting:

  1. Ceremonial Vigour
  2. A Brain Dead Memoir
  3. Chiselled in Stone
  4. Introspection
  5. Futureless Horizon
  6. The Towering Monument
  7. Alferov
  8. Shock Heuristics
  9. Broadcast of the Gods
  10. In Verses Unspoken
  11. Shadowgraph

Line-up:

  • Alex Baillie – Vocals, guitar
  • Henry Pryce – Vocals
  • David Diepold – Drums
  • Chris Binns – Bass
  • Apostolis Karydis – Guitar

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