Cipher System – Torn Between Realities Review: Melodic Death Metal from Sweden (2026)

 

Cipher System – Torn Between Realities EP cover, melodic death metal Sweden 2026



Artist: Cipher System
Origin: Tjörn, Sweden
Label: At Dawn Records
Released: July 31, 2026
Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Rating: 9 /10
Follow: Facebook

After 15 years, Cipher System are finally back with a new release, and what a fucking comeback this is! Torn Between Realities starts so fucking strong with Endveiler. This track hit me immediately. The melodies, the energy and Christian Älvestam’s vocals all come together in a way that just works.

Älvestam's clean vocals sound almost unchanged after all these years, and they hit exactly where they should. The growls are also on point, and the shifts between the two styles are a big part of what makes this work so well.

If you are a fan of Scar Symmetry, you will definitly like this. It is difficult to listen to Torn Between Realities without thinking about the early Scar Symmetry period with Symmetric in Design, Pitch Black Progress and Holographic Universe. The last one also includes my personal favorite Scar Symmetry track, Ghost Prototype II – Deus Ex Machina.

The guitars are a huge part of this EP, with some fantastic melodic sections and plenty of great solos. The drums are on point all the way through and give the music all the power it needs. There is nothing to complain about when it comes to the skills here. These guys know exactly what they are doing.

There is nothing wrong with the production either. Everything comes through clearly without losing any of the heaviness. I usually do not like calling a release perfect, and it almost feels wrong to use that word, but I really struggle to find anything to criticize here.

What I enjoy the most is the melodic feeling mixed with a good dose of that classic 90s sound. A lot of old memories came back while listening to this EP, and that alone is fucking fantastic. Cipher System manage to bring back the feeling of the classic melodeath period without making it sound like something old that has just been dragged back to life.

Endveiler and Answer to My Pain are my clear favorites, but the quality remains high throughout all six tracks. The EP runs for just under 30 minutes, and it will make your speakers shake during those minutes. This is an EP that should be played loud and brutal to give it the attention it deserves.

Rating: 9 /10

I'll be spinning more albums — stay tuned!

Hauk


If you enjoyed this, check out:
Syrax – Another Side of the Battlefield Review
Eternal Mourn – Winds of Sorrow Review
Dark Side – W Matni Review
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