Enter Cynic (or these days it would seem, due to a case of confused identity with the Florida based progressive death metallers of the same name, Cynic (UK). If you were, unlike me, around during the hayday of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, you might remember them for either their Suicide or Do Or Die EP's. Chances are though, like me, you have no idea who I'm talking about, and for that, can we all bow down to the gods of the internet please, for it is the internet that brought these Worcestershire rockers back to the world (You can read more about this in drummer Tim Batkin's interview with Komodo Rock here).
To the point, Cynic reformed due to the realisation of a fan base online, and then went into Rockfield Studio in Wales to re-record tracks from those far gone days of 1982 and 1983.
So welcome to a good dose of nostalgia, or as it happens not. 'Suburban Crisis' might well contain songs that are more than 20 years old, but listening to them for the first time here you would never know - the songs sound new, contemporary, while losing nothing of the magic of the days when the NWoBHM was at it's peak. Shaun Grant, the bands lead guitarist is on lead vocals, and it's his gravelly vocals that really make this record stand out. You really can't help but draw comparisons with the growling husk of Motorhead's Lemmy Killmeister, and that certainly ups the anti.
'Suburban Crisis' is an expression of a band many will never have known. From the opening notes of 'Suicide' you'll be introduced to an atmospheric, emotional trip that once started is very hard to get off. Surprises lurk however, and perhaps the biggest of those is the almost prog rock infused 'Dark December' - hardly a surprise once the bands inspirations are lined up and Rush rank right at the top - which by far lands as the standout track on the album. It takes you on a rollercoaster ride for eight minutes, from acoustic intros, to apocalyptic visions of the world, the darkness, and the pain which we live with every day.
What's wonderful to see here - apart from the music obviously - is the care and attention that's given to the artwork, not just on the cover, but throughout the booklet as well. Hugh Syme has created a visual representation of the apocalypse that is 'Suburban Crisis', and in a day and age where many people talk about the value of covers and booklets, Cynic have actually not just talked about it, but delivered it.
Little more needs to be said, this is an exceptional album, one from the vaults as it were, and one that deserves to find a happy home in every rockers collection.