Cognizance - In Light, No Shape

Cognizance is a death metal band from the United Kingdom that formed in 2012. Their latest album, “In Light, No Shape,” is their fourth full-length album; they have also released three EPs and a demo.    

This is my first experience with this band so I went in blind. From my research, it seems this is their first album with their guitarist, Alex, also handling vocal duties. With no dogs in this race and lacking a frame of reference, I went into “In Light, No Shape,” with an open mind—and I really enjoyed the album.

I don’t know what their previous vocalist brought to the table (I just haven’t had time to go back and listen to anything else they have done. I’m busy so sue me.) but Alex has a well-formed death growl that hits the sweet spot for what I like to hear with this style of metal.  

He and fellow guitarist Apostolis have a fantastic synergy together and their trade offs between riffs and more melodic passages is quite impressive. In fact, this album can be quite melodic when called upon while also being incredibly heavy. With that being said, this isn’t what I would call melodic death. This is a death metal album that just happens to be melodic in places.  

David (drums) and Chris (bass), have tight chops and also seem to compliment each other’s play styles well. No matter what the songs delve into, they keep the rhythm section firm enough to keep the songs together but loose enough to allow for any tempo changes and melodic passages to fit where needed.

The album begins with “Transient Fixations,” and it was a surprise for me because I thought it was going to be an intro song but after about 30 seconds, it turns into a shred fest—-if you like what you hear before the minute mark even passes, it is a safe bet the rest of the album will be enjoyable for you. 

“A Game of Proliferation,” takes a simple atmospheric element to enhance the opening—it sounds great with the tortuous tone of the guitars but works well with the drums too, when the guitars hang back for a few seconds. The band’s ability to work well within quick, small passages that help give weight to bigger moments is captured very well in this song.  

“Vertical Illusion,” is immediately catchy with an awesome drum riff (yes, I said drum riff). I like how the guitars have a little melodic ‘bounce’ to them, allowing them to ride the light between heavy and dark elements but switch between them at a second’s notice. The melodic passage beginning at the 2:35 mark features such riffs but paired with a couple of short but sweet guitar solos that compliment the song’s atmospheric leanings.

The album stays consistent to the end too, with a couple of the late tracks being total bangers. “Subterranean Incantation,” hits like a hurricane in the beginning but then pulls back on the tempo for a respite that still hits dark tones, bolstered by the double bass. The melancholic vibe fits in so goddamn well with the heavier aspects.  

The final zone “The Zone,” is another favorite of mine on the album, a lot of cool parts here. The middle passage is particularly engaging with the intricate grooves and birth of a slick guitar solo. This song flows in a tight formation, never skipping a beat and ends the album on a bang. 

Cognizance’s “In Light, No Shape,” is an album with a straightforward, balanced sound that is just dynamic enough to appeal to both extreme metalheads and those who prefer something not quite as brutal. 

Rating: Solid