CRYPTOSIS

"Bionic Swarm" is the debut full-length studio album by Dutch thrash metal act Cryptosis. The album was released through Century Media Records in March 2021. Cryptosis formed in 2020, but they were actually active under the Distillator monicker in the years 2013-2020 and released a couple of studio albums before changing their name to the current one. Leading up to the release of "Bionic Swarm", Cryptosis released four singles (all tracks featured on the album), and a split with Vektor. Especially the latter release helped to promote the release of "Bionic Swarm".

While Cryptosis in some ways is a continuation of Distillator, it´s not only the name of the band which has been changed, it´s also the direction of the music. Distillator are a relatively straight forward and aggressive thrash metal act, but Cryptosis add a technical edge and sci-fi lyrics, image, and atmosphere to their brand of thrash metal, and the two bands (although sharing several members), should be considered two completely different acts. The most obvious contemporary reference is definitely Vektor, but Cryptosis do have their own sound and "Bionic Swarm" fully displays the qualities of Cryptosis and give a good impression of the vision of the band.

Technical thrash metal artists are sometimes focused on their technical playing and less on the songwriting and impact of their music on the listener, but that´s not the case with Cryptosis. Although the music certainly is technical in nature, Cryptosis take great care that their material is also memorable and effectful, so in the midst of technical riffs/rhythms and the occasional progressive songwriting idea, the listener is also treated to more regular thrash metal riffing and rhythms, and the balance is a great strength.

The band are well playing and deliver their music with great skill and conviction, and lead vocalist/guitarist Laurens Houvast has an aggressive snarling delivery, which suits the music perfectly. Compared to the vocals on the contemporary releases by Vektor, the vocals on "Bionic Swarm" are more human in nature (to make a comparison that most readers will recognise). The music features both fast-paced and heavier sections (a track like "Prospect of Immortality" is for example a nicely heavy track), and there are touches of melody here and there too, so it´s generally dynamic music with more than one trick up the sleeve. "Bionic Swarm" is a concept album featuring dystopian stories taking place in the year 2149, and the sci-fi lyrics and atmosphere are important parts of the album.

"Bionic Swarm" is a well sounding and professionally produced release, and the powerful and detailed sounding production suits the material perfectly. Upon conclusion Cryptosis is definitely a welcome new addition to the world of sci-fi themed technical thrash metal, and fans of the genre are advised to give "Bionic Swarm" a listen. A 4 star (80%) rating is fully deserved.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives)

"Transmissions of Chaos" is a split release by US technical thrash metal act Vektor and Dutch technical thrash metal act Cryptosis. The split was released through District 19 in February 2021. It features 4 tracks and a total playing time of 20:03 minutes. Vektor are well known as one of the more prolific contemporary technical thrash metal acts and the two new Vektor tracks on "Transmissions of Chaos" actually mark a return to the scene after a longer recording hiatus following the release of "Terminal Redux (2016)" (the band's third full-length studio album). Cryptosis on the other hand are a less known acquaintance having only released a couple of singles by February 2021. Two of the single tracks make up their contributions to "Transmissions of Chaos". They would release their debut full-length studio album "Bionic Swarm" in March 2021. They did however work under the Distillator monicker in the years 2013-2020 playing a more regular type of thrash metal and releasing a couple of studio albums under that monicker, so these guys are also pretty seasoned musicians/composers.

Vektor open the split with their two tracks "Activate" and "Dead by Dawn", and it's immediately audible that Vektor have changed and developed their style and sound a lot in the years since "Terminal Redux (2016)". They still play their own brand of technical thrash metal (sci-fi themed and Voivod influenced), but lead vocalist/guitarist David DiSanto has opted for a different singing style to his usual high pitched screaming, and now performs more regular snarling thrash metal vocals. But as a new thing in the world of Vektor he now also performs melodic clean vocals (on "Dead by Dawn"), and the new vocal approach provides Vektor with a few more weapons for their arsenal and dare I say a more accessible sound.

The two Cryptosis tracks "Decypher" and "Prospect of Immortality" aren't far from the Vektor tracks in terms of sound and style. Cryptosis also play a sci-fi themed technical thrash metal style with progressive elements and it was definitely a smart move by the Austrian District 19 label/management company to promote newcomers Cryptosis on this split with the more well known Vektor. Upon conclusion "Transmissions of Chaos" is a high quality split release featuring strong compositions and stellar performances from both acts, and fans of technical/progressive thrash metal should take note here. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives)