Cadent Slaves-Cadent Slaves (Single)

ArtistAloud
2013

You'll have to pardon the (somewhat) grainy photo as there doesn't seem to be all that many online pictures posted of this particular 2013 (possibly digital-only?) "single". Featuring three tracks with the titles "Cadence Theme", "Narcissistic Crime" and "A Blissful Spirit", with both "Cadence Theme" and "A Blissful Spirit" taking the form of instrumental numbers, this self-titled affair from this Hyderabad, India outfit showcases a band that has gone through a bit of identity crisis since first forming in 2008. Reportedly they started off as an experimental rock band before embracing heavy metal in 2009. After a break of sorts the three members of Cadent Slaves (vocalist/guitarist Santosh, bassist Chris Sagar and drummer Gaurav) resumed their activities in November of 2011. Listing the likes of Opeth, Katatonia, Anathema, Gojira, Slayer, Metallica, Megadeth, Tool, Porcupine Tree and Riverside (among others apparently) as influences, and with not only these three cuts but a few others are their disposal, Cadent Slaves are an "interesting" prospect. Or at least judging by the variety (music-wise) of these three demo-quality tracks. Of the three cuts presented to me by a friend/fellow colleague it's the four minute-plus "Narcissistic Crime" that ends up serving as the heaviest number of the lot. With guitarist Santosh channeling his own inner "cookie monster" in order to lay down some near death metal-like vocals on top of (standard) heavy/power metal it's a bit of a surprise move given that the other two numbers are (more or less) prog-flavored heavy rock. Quite honestly there's not a whole lot here to get excited over although "Narcissistic Crime" does (at the very least) offer a glimmer of hope that, should this India-based outfit ever decide to enlist a hot-shot lead guitarist down the road (and therefore devote themselves to playing strictly heavy/power metal), Cadent Slaves could (maybe) evolve into a project with a shred of potential. That's a big maybe though, but I wouldn't hold my breath or anything......