REAPTER – Cymatics
- Posted on 22-09-2016
Slugging away in Rome, Italy since 2005, Reapter is a progressive thrash oriented metal band that also has a number of classic nuances on this second full-length "Cymatics" – the title based on a Hans Henry term used to describe the acoustic effects of sound wave phenomena. Given this is my first exposure to the group, I’ve come away quite impressed right out of the gate with the unique phrasing and melody choices that take place – it’s not the same old Bay Area or Teutonic regurgitation exercise that many younger, newer bands employ.
As a five-piece, their approach contains a lot of locomotive charge in the axe department, supplementing heads down speed with the right mid-tempo transitions that should fire up audiences when they take in Reapter live. Where the progressive nature comes in can be as simple as a clean, off-time instrumental passage that has a little cleaner nuance, something akin to late 80’s / early 90’s Queensrÿche on the twisted "Time Lapse" where the lead break moves from arpeggio/ tapping mastery to bluesy emotional restraint. Bassist Jury Pergolini gains front and center attention a la Steve Harris on the Maiden-esque "The Alchemist" – as vocalist Claudio Arduini often mirrors the up and down nature of the riff choices while placing appropriate James Hetfield-ish grit and screams when necessary.
The guitar action from Max Pellicciotta and Daniele Bulzoni keeps the listener engaged – elements of everything from Annihilator and Heathen to Metal Church or the aforementioned British masters Iron Maiden comes up when taking in the dual rhythms and fiery lead tradeoffs during highlights such as "Life and Horror" or mid-tempo militant "Fallen Angels". "Cymatics" contains enough diversity that successive exposures should appease those who like thrash with a difference – but there are still enough solid hooks for mandatory headbanging as well.
Reapter is on the right path with their brand of melodic, progressive thrash that lives for the twin harmony.
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