REVIEW : CAGE9 - ILLUMINATOR (2016)

Cage9, based in Los Angeles, is the brain child of guitarist and vocalist Evan Rodaniche and consists of Brian Sumwalt on drums, Matt Borowski on guitar and Leslie Wyatt on bass. The band that shared stage with many big names, Sevendust, Hellyeah, 12 Stones, Filter, In This Moment, Queensryche, Tesla, Powerman 5000, Seether, Buckcherry, Karnivool and Candlebox  to name a few, is now ready to unleash its debut record with the title "Illuminator".

The sound of Cage9 is heavy, dark but with plenty of melodies and includes catchy hooks and choruses that make the final result very attractive. The modern heavy approach fits perfectly with the overall sound and the vocals of Evan Rodaniche are the cherry on top. I tried to find bands that have a similar sound but it's difficult to name some; Cage9 have a unique and solid sound that grabs your attention at once.

"Open The Sky", the opener, is one of the album's highlights for sure; heavy, modern and catchy this one represents of Cage9's sound in a perfect way!!! The post-grunge "Starry Eyes" will impress you while in "Everything You Love Will Someday Die" we are dealing with an incredible tune!! For sure, this one is a more straight forward rocker with a chorus line to die for, a big groove, amazing harmonies and superb arrangements!!!!!

The moodier, aggressive and 'darker' "Dark Horse" is yet another great sample of Cage9's music and the variety of sounds in "Birds Of Prey" will 'nail' you down!!! The theatrical "Ghost" with its haunting melody and the brilliant "Illuminator" are both great!!!  

Closing, I have to say that Cage9 with its debut album, "Illuminator", achieves to impress with its tight musicianship, its solid tunes and the big and crystal clear production!!!

Rating : 8/10

Track Listing :
1. Open The Sky
2. Gallows
3. Starry Eyes
4. Everything You Love Will Someday Die
5. Oscuro
6. Black Horse
7. Death Of A Dragon
8. Aleatoricsism
9. Birds Of Prey
10. Martyr
11. Ghost
12. Illuminator
13. Take Back Tomorrow