UK-based technical thrash band Cryptic
Shift has returned in 2016 with another release. This time it is the 5-track EP
“Beyond The Celestial Realms”, which features their tightest, most impressive
songwriting and playing to date. For the uninitiated, this band rides the wave
of technical thrash metal popularized by bands like Voivod and Vektor, but
still manages to have their own unique take on the style. Cryptic Shift is much
more within the realm of standard thrash than those bands are, but these guys do
tend to have some spacier riffs that make use of uncommon intervals and
melodies.
Still, the thing that Cryptic Shift does
best is thrash hard and thrash fast. The first full-length track on this EP, “Voyage
Through Dimensions”, wastes little time as it reaches breakneck speed by
unleashing riff after riff of truly punishing thrash. This song, along with “Spore”,
previously appeared on a release of theirs, and it’s no wonder that they
brought these songs back because they are quite potent. The former has a riff
about two minutes in that was made for ride cymbal abuse, This section will get
necks snapping in half. Shortly after, however, the band introduces clean
guitars, which allows the bass to shine through. Granted, “Beyond The Celestial
Realms” isn’t exactly an EP where the bass has to fight for breathing room; it
is quite prominent at all times, providing wandering melodies that interact
with the strange movements of the guitars.
The remaining two tracks also fit in quite
well. Unsurprisingly, they are monolithic entities of tech-infused thrash
riffs, alongside the brutal, death metal-influenced growls that the band’s singer
employs. Guitar solos are frequent and dazzling, but every musician is in
top-form. Even the production is on point. The only real complaint I have is
that the band has a ton of releases to this point (with songs overlapping
amongst the releases), but no full-length album. The next step for Cryptic
Shift is clear, but it would be a mistake to ignore this EP as you wait for the
inevitable full-length.
Be sure to check out and like Cryptic Shift on Facebook!
Highlights
"Voyage Through Dimensions"
"Spore"
Final Rating
4.5/5 or 90%.
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