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CYNTHESIS

Progressive Metal • United States


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Cynthesis biography
CYNTHESIS is a progressive metal band from Pleasanton, California. Formed in 2010, they released their debut concept album 'DeEvolution' in 2011. The band consists of Jasun TIPTON (guitars and keyboards) and Troy TIPTON (bass), Erik ROSVOLD (vocals) and Sean FLANEGAN (drums), all of them lovers of Progressive Rock with a penchant for the cinematic and dramatic gesture. The TIPTON brothers and vocalist ROSVOLD had worked before in the band ZERO HOUR.

Biography by Bonnek

See also:

- Zero Hour

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CYNTHESIS discography


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CYNTHESIS top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.72 | 47 ratings
DeEvolution
2011
4.07 | 37 ratings
ReEvolution
2013

CYNTHESIS Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

CYNTHESIS Videos (DVD, Blu-ray, VHS etc)

CYNTHESIS Boxset & Compilations (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

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CYNTHESIS Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 DeEvolution by CYNTHESIS album cover Studio Album, 2011
3.72 | 47 ratings

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DeEvolution
Cynthesis Progressive Metal

Review by UMUR
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars "DeEvolution" is the debut full-length studio album by US, California based Cynthesis. The album was released through Sensory Records in April 2011. The lineup comprises three former Zero Hour members (Troy Tipton, Jasun Tipton and Erik Rosvold) and Enchant drummer Sean Flanegan. So minus drummer Mike Guy, this is the lineup who recorded the classic "The Towers of Avarice (2001)" album by Zero Hour. I note with great joy that "DeEvolution" also marks the return of Erik Rosvold to the metal scene after a lengthy break in music oriented activities (Zero Hour recorded three albums with other singers in his absence).

It's of course deliberately that I mention "The Towers of Avarice (2001)" above. The dark and brooding sci-fi themed technical/progressive metal album stands as the finest achivement in the career of the now defunct Zero Hour, and therefore many questions arise before listening to "DeEvolution". Is this a continuation of the musical style initiated on "The Towers of Avarice (2001)"? Is Erik Rosvold still the vocal capacity he once was?

...the answers are both yes and no and somewhere in between. The sci-fi themed lyrics and concept form of "The Towers of Avarice (2001)" are also features on "DeEvolution" although it's a different story (the first part of a planned triology), and Erik Rosvold is definitely still the vocal capacity he was 10 years back, but when that is said "DeEvolution" is a very different sounding album compared to "The Towers of Avarice (2001)". While the concept is still pretty dark, the music on "DeEvolution" is not as bleak sounding as the case was on "The Towers of Avarice (2001)". It's of course no surprise, that the music on "DeEvolution" is more melodic and dynamic in nature, if you've followed the development of the Tipton brothers over the years. The acrobatic chromatic fretboard shredding is still a part of their sound, but I struggle to recall them composing music as melodically focused as the music on "DeEvolution". It's like they've really matured as songwriters over the last couple of years and the material on "DeEvolution" is both varied and generally very well written. Personally I miss more harder edged and aggressive parts in the music, but the increased focus on melody and atmosphere is also quite effectful.

The musicianship is not surprisingly on a very high level. Sean Flanegan gets to show a bit more of his technical playing skills than what we usually hear when he is playing with Enchant and as mentioned above Erik Rosvold is a fantastic vocalist with a personal and intense singing style and a strong and powerful voice. The Tipton brothers are as usual distinct sounding and focused on playing adventurous themes, but also more sensitive than ever to melody. Especially bassist Troy Tipton is on fire on "DeEvolution".

Overall "DeEvolution" is an original sounding progressive metal album, with both melodic moments, an intriguing atmosphere/concept story, and packed with skillfull adventurous playing. Combine that with a powerful and detailed sound production, and the above mentioned high level musicianship, and "DeEvolution" is quite a successful album to my ears. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.

 ReEvolution by CYNTHESIS album cover Studio Album, 2013
4.07 | 37 ratings

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ReEvolution
Cynthesis Progressive Metal

Review by UMUR
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars "ReEvolution" is the 2nd full-length studio album by US, California based Cynthesis. The album was released through Sensory Records in June 2013 and is the second part of a planned conceptual triology of albums. The first was "DeEvolution" from 2011. The lineup on "ReEvolution" comprises three former Zero Hour members (Troy Tipton, Jasun Tipton and Erik Rosvold) and Enchant drummer Sean Flanegan, which was also the lineup that recorded "DeEvolution (2011)". So minus drummer Mike Guy, this is the lineup that recorded the classic "The Towers of Avarice (2001)" album by Zero Hour.

"ReEvolution" pretty much continues where "DeEvolution (2011)" left off. Atmospheric, melodic and occasionally technical progressive metal with a sci-fi lyrical theme and a skilled and passionate lead vocalist in front. The musicianship is on a high level for all involved though, but if you're familiar with Zero Hour (and Enchant for that matter) that should come as no surprise.

"ReEvolution" is packed in a detailed and powerful sound production too and the album is overall just an album that reeks class. The songwriting is focused at lot on atmosphere and several of the tracks (especially the epic, 13:30 minutes long closing track "Release the Deity") are building slowly from atmosperic mellow openings towards epic closing climaxes. Besides "Release the Deity", which is one of the highlights of the album I'd like to mention "Persistence of Visions" as one of the standout tracks on the album.

While "ReEvolution" is not completely devoid of technical playing, it is an album for fans of more atmospheric progressive metal rather than for fans of technically focused progressive metal. It's obviously been the band's goal to go for a more atmospheric sound compared to their technically focused past in Zero Hour. The way they succeed in reaching that goal is rather impressive and "ReEvolution" is overall a great second release in the planned triology. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.

 DeEvolution by CYNTHESIS album cover Studio Album, 2011
3.72 | 47 ratings

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DeEvolution
Cynthesis Progressive Metal

Review by bonestorm

5 stars The newest incarnation of the Tipton brothers, "Cynthesis" creates a sound that is more in line with melodic prog rock than their previous work under "Zero Hour", which favoured a more technical metal approach. That's not to say "Cynthesis" is lacking technical aspects - there are still moments of jaw-dropping musicianship - but it would be fair to say the focus has shifted a little.

"DeEvolution" is the first in a series of sci-fi concept albums that follows the story of a tribal shaman captured and taken within an industrialised city. I won't go further into the story, as it's one of the joys of listening to a concept album like this to hear it unfold, but suffice to say the story is intriguing and provides an appetite for subsequent instalments.

There's also a great maturity in the songwriting on this album. Always capable of creating mesmerizing riffs and effortlessly fusing complex time signatures, Jasun Tipton here shows that he's also more than adequately equipped to fashion sublime atmospheres and simpler melodies.

Troy Tipton also gives another stellar performance on this album. This guy has to be one of my favourite bassists going around. Not content to punch out by-the-numbers basslines, Troy utilises all of his skills to come up with some really satisfying phrases. Especially of note is his use of the 'dusty end' of the fretboard in songs such as "Incision".

Erik Rosvold, absent from "Zero Hour" for many years, makes a welcome return here. There's a number of emotions and vocal styles delivered across "DeEvolution", and Rosvold handles them all with aplomb. There are moments, especially as things ramp up towards the end of the album, where Rosvold's voice is spine tingling. Add to the mix Sean Flanegan, the perfect foil for Troy Tipton in the engine room, and this really does amount to a killer lineup.

There's not a single fault to point out on this album. From writing and production to performances, it all works. At around 45 minutes, the album contains not a trace of filler and at the same time doesn't outstay it's welcome. Fans of concept albums, melodic prog or anyone who wants to hear some fantastic musicians at the top of their game should check these guys out.

 ReEvolution by CYNTHESIS album cover Studio Album, 2013
4.07 | 37 ratings

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ReEvolution
Cynthesis Progressive Metal

Review by Second Life Syndrome
Prog Reviewer

5 stars One of my favorite albums of 2011 was Cynthesis' debut album 'DeEvolution'. I was instantly drawn into the fantastic story, the sci fi themes, the social commentary, and the amazing atmospheres. The Tipton brothers had really outdone themselves, especially since I wasn't a big fan of Zero Hour. Now, Cynthesis has released the second part of their trilogy. I was a little wary, but only because the first one was so perfect for me that I was afraid to be disappointed. I shouldn't have worried.

'ReEvolution' lives up to it predecessor, and surpasses it in some ways, even. The storyline of these albums is quite complex, but suffice it to say that it follows a tribe shaman whom is captured by elite corporate heads. They prop him up as a prophet so that he can unknowingly lead the masses into the corporations' plans of consumerist greed, apathy, and naivety. At the end of the first album, the shaman leaves to find others to help the cause. Now, on this second album, he returns and learns things about the corporate plans and about himself. It's a social commentary of sorts, and an excellent one at that.

This storyline plays out in a sci fi atmosphere with soaring guitar work that is rather unique and kinetic at times, and also some inventive bass work that moves things along well. Overall, however, Cynthesis' style is one of contemplative, melodic, moody prog that really captures the emotions and the moment. So, there are heavy moments, but this is no Zero Hour technically. This is beautiful, stylistic progressive rock that panders to people like me. The first album was amazing in so many ways, and this album repeats that without being a carbon copy. It also features the better vocal performance of the two, even though I was blown away by the first one. The vocalist went all out this time with some very impressive notes and sustains.

To say that I am satisfied with this follow-up would be an understatement: This album has proven to me that this Tipton trilogy will be a classic for the ages. They have capitalized on the awesome story, and have provided great melody and ambiance to draw us into their message. I love everything about these albums, and I hope everyone checks them out soon.

 DeEvolution by CYNTHESIS album cover Studio Album, 2011
3.72 | 47 ratings

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DeEvolution
Cynthesis Progressive Metal

Review by Bonnek
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

3 stars If you're looking for a satisfying Prog Metal experience with a modern twist then look no further. This new project from the Tipton brothers (previously Zero Hour) shows a level of professionalism and inspiration that is rarely shown in this scene. Best of all they manage to stay clear of the vanilla and cheese that makes classic Prog Metal hard to swallow for me.

The credit largely goes to the Tipton brothers, who both deliver splendid musicianship, on bass and guitars respectively. Yes, this is a metal album with audible bass guitar and what an enjoyment it is. Despite the musical capacities they keep the focus strongly with the songs, very tasty material, melodious but never corny. Vocalist Rosvold is a big aid in this as his clean but forceful mid-range voice is a welcome relief in a scene crowded with vocalist that confuse hitting high notes with emotion. My main gripe with the album is that after two very strong pieces, 'Divided Day' introduces a ballad-based type of songwriting that make the album drag a bit, but that shouldn't be a problem for the many fans of albums such as 'The Perfect Element' or 'Scenes of a Memory'.

Don't expect new tricks or innovation, this is just solid classic stuff with strong songmaterial and rich musicianship. I'd very much recommended this to all Prog Metal fans.

Thanks to Bonnek for the artist addition. and to Rune2000 for the last updates

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