(On March 7th Century Media will release a new album by the Dutch progressive thrash band Cryptosis, and today we present Daniel Barkasi‘s review of the album.)
Thrash and I have held a contentious relationship as of late. True as it is that thrash was my first foray into the heavier side of the metal spectrum many, many eons ago, memorable albums have been difficult to find in these last few years. Without bands like Enforced, what the hell would I do for my fix?
Well, let us not forget Cryptosis – a band that blasted out a semi-debut (formerly known as Distillator, so the group wasn’t brand new) in 2021 that dished a fresh view of Voivod-adjacent progressive thrash that left many heads a-spinning. The name change was indeed appropriate, and said first full-length Bionic Swarm made a steadfast impression. Buffering with an equally scrumptious EP The Silent Call in 2023, the time has arrived by the eagerly anticipated album number two, Celestial Death.
Straight away, it’s evident that Cryptosis aren’t resting on their laurels. Once the synth-dominated intro track concludes, “Faceless Matter” blasts into the stratosphere swathed in atmosphere and a less frenzied structure than we’re accustomed to. That said, the band haven’t stripped down their sound and taken a hard and unexpected turn; rather, they give the music increased breathing room, while still providing those undeniable licks and fretboard magic ala Laurens Houvast that’s a bona fide requirement. Fervent doses of avant-garde thrash are bountiful; “Static Horizon,” “Ascending” and “Cryptosphere” whip the listener around with reckless abandon, whilst also injecting increasingly matured songwriting, showcasing an organic step forward versus a jerky miscalculation.
An obvious and key difference is a deliberately increased usage of synths/mellotrons, contributed by Frank te Riet (who also helms the bass). What comes from this direction is an open, yet fuller overall record that isn’t as riff dense as Bionic Swarm (not that the outpouring of riffage is a detractor of any sort). te Riet was quoted in the promo materials as stating this album has “a more cinematic path” and “a much darker atmosphere” than previously, and frankly, he couldn’t be more right with that analysis.
“Reign of Infinite” serves as an exceedingly notable example of this approach, and yours truly’s favorite number of the album. The feel is grandiose, powerful, and overflowing with huge moments, while being driven by some of Houvast’s slickest, most memorable guitar work yet. That main lead is imprinted on my prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, Houvast’s vocal performance is monstrous and imposing, and drummer Marco Prij’s percussive output is a meticulous tour de force of rigor and sheer violent dynamism. Cryptosis possess the chops in abundance, and virulently show it throughout, intermixed with astute craftsmanship.
The main takeaway is that the resultant provides an extremely balanced effort. Yes, we did just state that Celestial Death isn’t as riff-centric, but the technicality and ear-splitting guitar compositions are ample and compelling – it’s just that the songwriting has taken a pronounced and central focus. What’s on offer hits hard and is extremely well-written and assembled, never once descending into repetition. “Absent Presence” represents a fine example of an anthem that wisely proceeds with steadily escalating purpose; choosing to not beat one over the head, but to build upon itself to formulate an arrangement that knows when to crush and shred, but also when to pull back and allow the piece to flow.
Celestial Death may not completely be the record that you or I may have expected from the Dutch thrash trio, but it is a record that showcases a band taking their sound to new vivid heights, exercising their creative zeal by taking novel, extravagant pathways. Cryptosis still know how to melt faces with surgical precision, all whilst evolving into a more potent, focused, and lavish machine. This scribe for one is here for the long haul.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CryptosisNL
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cryptosis_band/
Bandcamp: https://centurymedia.bandcamp.com/album/celestial-death-24-bit-hd-audio