Cryptosis are a Progressive Thrash Metal band from The Netherlands and they have recently gained some notable traction with their latest singles which have been collected in this brand new EP: The Silent Call.
Despite being a Prog Thrash band, their sound has a black metal tinge, largely thanks to the shouted vocals (although you can definitely hear the thrash sound coming through at times) and the use of synths and dark dissonant chords. The idea of prog is designed to be a melting pot of ideas that converge to make a unique and unconventional project and that’s a fairly apt way to describe Cryptosis.
The title track features a sweeping ambience made up of droning guitar chords and grand synths that invoke the cold recesses of space. Everything feels cold and vast in-between moments of white-hot intensity much like our own unforgiving solar system.
The guitar work and drumming are phenomenal but always serve the song and don’t get bogged down in trying to be as technical as possible, the record’s atmosphere is always prioritised. ‘Master of Life’ is a crushing behemoth of a track that shows off some incredible groove-filled drumming and thrashy guitar work that sounds like modern Voivod at times.
This EP also features two live tracks recorded in Athens; ‘Prospect of Immortality’ and ‘Transcendence’. Both of these tracks show that not only is Cryptosis a project that contains sharp songwriter instincts but it shows that they can replicate it perfectly in a live setting which is a daunting task for most musicians.
This kind of commitment to atmosphere is greatly appreciated and makes the band stand out amongst their peers who have been together for longer. It’s incredibly impressive that a band that only formed in 2020 have this much of a distinct and cohesive sound so early into their careers and they show no signs of slowing down, a band that can only hone their skills as musicians and songwriters.
We can only expect great things from younger bands and Cryptosis are destined to become an unstoppable cosmic force in the near future.
The Silent Call is available December 1st via Century Media.
