Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
Byzantine
Title
The Cicada Tree
Type
LP/EP
Company
Metal Blade
YOR
2017
Style
Death
8/2/2017 - Review by: Greg Watson
From the foothills of West Virginia, Byzantine roars to life once more
Combining elements of thrash, death, hardcore, and prog metal, Byzantine has a distinct sound that is equal parts beauty and destruction. Crushing, groove-laden riffs meld with clean, precise playing and gives you this incredible Jekyll/Hyde sound. Clean and growled vocals add to the back and forth and the production pulls all of this together in a powerful finished package. Definitely a different sound from many bands out there, you won't be disappointed checking "The Cicada Tree" out.
PERSONAL BREAKDOWN:

ENJOYMENT
4
MUSIC
4
VOCALS
4
PRODUCTION
4
ARTWORK
1.5
LYRICS
3.5


  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    4 :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: BYZANTINE
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
The Cicada Tree
2017
Metal Blade
Greg Watson8/2/2017
4

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: BYZANTINE
INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE


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