The Moshville Times - Cognizance drop new tech-death masterclass ‘In Light, No Shape’ via Willowtip Records

Leeds’ own progressive death metal titans Cognizance have officially unleashed their latest album, In Light, No Shape, via Willowtip Records. If you’ve been following the band’s trajectory, you’ll know they don’t exactly do things by halves, and this new record is being hailed as one of the most compelling tech-death releases to hit the shelves in a long time.

With four full-length albums and a pile of EPs already under their belts, the guys aren’t showing any signs of slowing down. This time around, they’ve channelled the spirit of mid-90s technical legends like Death, Extol, and Meshuggah, but with a bit of a twist. They’ve purposefully stepped away from the overly polished, “clicky” sound of modern extreme metal production, opting for a mix that feels more organic and visceral. It’s a beast of a record that manages to be both sonically violent and atmospheric at the same time.

This release also marks a significant milestone for the band’s lineup. After a decade as a quintet, they’ve slimmed down to a four-piece following the departure of founding vocalist Henry “Big Mac” Pryce last year. Founding guitarist Alex Baillie has stepped up to the mic, handling both vocals and guitar duties. Alex mentions that taking on the vocals pushed the band to “re-engineer” how they blend the different elements of their sound, unlocking new creative paths while keeping the core identity of the band intact.

We’ve been keeping an eye on the band for years – they were even part of the massive Tech-Fest line-ups back in the day, a festival that has always been a home for the tech-iest bands in the scene. In Light, No Shape is available now to stream or purchase, and it’s a must-listen if you like your metal complex, heavy, and surgical.

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In Light, No Shape tracklist: