AN NCS EP PREMIERE (AND A REVIEW): CRYPTIC HYMN — “THE VAST UNKNOWING”

 

(Grant Skelton wrote the following review as an introduction to our premiere of the new two song EP by the blackened death metal band Cryptic Hymn from Louisville, Kentucky.)

Kentucky’s Cryptic Hymn have been known to lurk about the shadowed corridors of No Clean Singing. In 2015, I had the pleasure of reviewing their amazing debut EP Gateways. Now, we are pleased to present their latest bastardized offering, The Vast Unknowing.

Cryptic Hymn christen us first with “Wretched Stimulation,” a title which yields a truly revolting visual in my reprobate imagination. This song is a blistered and ashen frolic that should glut any devotee of death metal. While offering plenty of speed, the track shows that Cryptic Hymn are not the least bit afraid of tempo changes. I could say you’ll find the track stuck in your head, but more than likely it will find its way into your veins.

 

 

“False Awakening” is easily the highlight of this EP. The entire second half of the song is comprised of vivid, fiery, emotive solos preceded by a blackened herald from vocalists Dave Palenske and Mumford:

“We must break free

“From this false awakening”

The final of said emotive solos is played by Malcolm Pugh (Inferi, A Loathing Requiem). Punctuating the track are solemn choral vocals courtesy of Mike Low (Inferi, Oubliette) and Emily Low (Oubliette).

Cryptic Hymn are ascending. If The Vast Unknowing is even a hint of their future output, I will be enthralled to hear it. The Vast Unknowing will be released July 17. Look for it on Bandcamp.

Cryptic Hymn is:
Dave Palenske – Guitars/Vocals
Nathaniel Vowell – Guitars
Josh Mumford – Bass/Vocals
Chris Smith – Drums

Bandcamp:
https://cryptichymn.bandcamp.com

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/cryptichymnofficial/

Upcoming Show Dates:
7/21 – CINCINNATI, OH @ NORTHSIDE YACHT CLUB (TRANSPLANT FEST W/ INCANTATION, RINGWORM, BLACK FAST & OTHERS)
8/18 – LOUISVILLE, KY @ MAG BAR (BENEFIT SHOW FOR JEN GELLHAUS W/GREYHAVEN, STAGECOACH INFERNO, GRL WOOD & FOXBAT)
8/31 – LOUISVILLE, KY @ TRIXIE’S (W/ ABIGAIL WILLIAMS, GHOST BATH & WOLVHAMMER)