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BYZANTINE
The Cicada Tree
Metal Blade Records

BYZANTINE have cracked new ground with their new release The Cicada Tree, the follow-up to 2015’s To Release Is To Resolve album. For the band’s sixth album, founding member/singer/guitarist Chris Ojeda is rejoined by guitarist Brian Henderson and bassist Sean Sydnor, with new drummer Matt Wolfe, who makes his recording debut.

With a run-time over 60-minutes, the 11-track record embodies the heavy, progressive elements and impressive songwriting of classic BYZANTINE with a few new twists. The 9-minute epic, “Verses Of Violence”, flaunts the musical breadth of each member, an all-out exhibition of heavy music sub-genres, including a hair-raising segment of black metal. Ojeda’s juxtaposition of vocals from clean to caustic is remarkable. This album is filled with rich, atmospheric compositions with guitar solos that will melt your face. It also features a fetching cover of THE CARS' 1978 hit “Moving In Stereo”.

4.5 Out Of 5

Pick up your copy of The Cicada Tree in the KNAC.COM More Store right HERE.