Cognitive - "The Horrid Swarm" - Four of Five Stars

Where does tech death end and prog death begin anymore?  
It's becoming harder and harder to tell all the time.  The new 
Cognitive EP "The Horrid Swarm" is just another reminder of 
how blurred the borders have become.  Whether you love brutal 
death metal, progressive shreddage, or some chocolate in my 
peanut butter combination of these two “The Horrid Swarm” is 
a can't miss.
Featuring the dueling guitar work of Rob Wharton, formerly with 
The Adapt and Waking the Cadaver and lead guitarist Jake 
Iannaco, Cognitive establishes its death metal bona fides early 
with a ripping opening track "In the Form of a Drone" that both 
showcases vocalist Scheenier Ramirez's intense powerful range 
and a compelling progressive guitar solo. 
Drops focusing on the so-called Haarp Machine intersperse 
"Falling Skies" a more straight ahead death metal song that 
showcases the blasts of drummer Mike Castro with just short 
hints of the progressive side of the band. 
"Numbered and Slaughtered" attacks the listener with more 
blasts and dominating bass lines from Pete Ware before the 
guitars take over with a compelling and very tasteful prog death 
lead that will leave you smiling in pleasure.
On "Essence Oblivion"  Ramirez is in full control until the most 
specifically tech death solo on the record spirits us away and 
then returns us to the controlled chaos of the vocal lines.
"The Horrid Swarm" ends with the title track, a 2:50 celebration 
that brings together all of the influences that merge in this 
unique sound.  There's brutality and intensity sure enough but 
the tune ends with a magical lead guitar that stops rather 
abruptly and makes me want for more. 
The cold ending is something Cognitive excels at.  No long 
fade outs here.  When they bring their death metal power, 
it's in your face.  When it's gone it's gone.  And now that it's 
gone I'm ready for more Cognitive.
Give these guys your support.  You won't be sorry.  Check out 
Cognitive on Facebook by Clicking Here