Approximately in the same vein as Roswell Six, let me introduce you this talented French quartet and their first, very convincing output The Cosmocinesy.
First impressions as I first heard it: they remind me of the here previously reviewed Alkemyst - also French, same genre, same originality within a genre usually clogged with clones and almost doomed to repetitiveness. Which is to say: the “good” side of power, the most eclectic one; varied, with a slight touch of experimentalism, symphonic without being epic or sumptuous. Kind of the Symphony X side of power-prog, though hinting at speed metal and with no trace of the Jersey guys’ constant use of syncopes. Let’s even say echoes of Angra are to be heard to quite a large extent.
They define their music “movie metal”, which does actually fit and has nothing to do with Rhapsody of Fire‘s so-called Hollywood metal (alright, just a bit). What we have here is truly atmospheric music yet within the boundaries of power metal, if that’s even possible. What strikes you the most about these guys is that they really managed to blend metal and a few external influences together. To my own likings, they drift a bit too often towards “classical” power, but if you’re into the genre, be assured it’s A-class power you’ll find here. Which would then make my final 7,5 a full eight, I guess.
That said – what kind of movie would this music be suitable for, then? The coverart and titles already give some suggestions. Let’s say it would fit a sci-fi movie of the steampunk kind, or something of the sorts. The intro already sets in you in a suitable mood, with a surprisingly fitting bagpipe sound which is but a clue of the symphonic arrangements to be found overall in the album. Qantice manage to keep a balance between the “angrian” vein of the power choruses, the symphonic background, and the folkish passages (see “best in the well”) à la Rhapsody of Fire (here you go).
The way they bring in “unusual” instruments (tin whistles, baroque flutes, and so on) is also uttermost convincing. And if you take into account the genesis of the album took some five years to reach its well-deserved end, that’s even more striking.
THUS SPAKE THE CENNSOR: The Cosmocinesy is a nice little gem if you’re in search for something both symphonic and power-proggish. Fine musicianship, good and original (yet not too daring) songwriting make the album well worth one listen. Quite possibly not to be the last. 7,5/10
