Origin:	Union, NJ, USA
Genres:	Traditional Metal

Cypher Seer

This traditional metal band was formed in 2003 and for several years went by the name Malakis Reign, until legal issues forced a change to Cypher Seer in early 2007. Soon afterward they released their debut album, Awakening Day. This is 80's-inspired American traditional power metal through and through, and while there's no real flaws or weak points here, the album has a by-the-numbers feel to it, lacking a memorable identity or style. From the vocals (provided by well-travelled veteran Michael Grant) to the riffs to the songwriting, it's all fine without really generating that something-special feeling. There will always be a market for bands that harken back to the glory days of 80's traditional metal, and Cypher Seer fills that need, but as far as upper-echelon traditional bands are concerned, they aren't there quite yet.