The Demo Review:
Band Name: Sipher
Demo Title: Second
Band Members: Klaus Kangas (Lasu), and Toni Liukkonen (Tonttu)
Location: Espoo, Finland

Rating: 1 Skull

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    • Behemoth's Review:
    This is going to be a quick one, part of the illustrious job of writing for Metal Judgment involves reviewing international demos which sometimes are good and mostly bad, which is the case here. Sipher was contrived in the year of our lord 2002 in Espoo, Finland, by Klaus Kangas (Lasu), and Toni Liukkonen (Tonttu), and their trusty drum machine. The band previously released two demos in 2003 and 2004, so the title of Second defies all logical reasoning which also fits the musical score found within.

    This release was recorded within the confines of a home studio and it shows, with reported real instruments played (please!) except for the computerized drums which are an absolute riotous tin. Songs found within this masterpiece are "Desert Wind," "Red Thorns," "Second God," and "Day is Broken." Well broken it is, actually quite hard to define, how about Goth alternative Finnish metal, does that make you squeamish enough? The guitar lines ebb and flow and at moments approach an edge of thrash, only to subside to simple thin backing tracks, there's no depth whatsoever. The combination of Goth and thrash work as well as you'd think, with the weak production only perplexing the plot further. The vocals are less than average with their singer attempting to emulate a Tiamat style which plainly fails. Production deficits coupled with thin guitar lines and weak vocals, leave nothing.

    Sipher fail to achieve a reasonable balance of musicianship and the listener is forced into a blinding fit of boredom. The band needs direction and depth, there's potential, but come on, in these days production should be a staple. Sipher must stare into their souls and search for originality and inspiration.
    1 out of 5

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