ALBUM REVIEW: Overspace & Supertime – Cryptic Shift
Leeds based astrodeath proprietors CRYPTIC SHIFT came bursting onto the scene with 2020’s full length debut Visitations From Enceladus. An effort so wildly inventive that it felt like it was developed by an entity not of this universe. This release propelled them into the spotlight as a band to keep a close eye on for the future. Having toured their exhilarating blend of extreme metal around the planes of Asia and America they have now returned to bring us the next instalment in their narrative-rich inventory entitled Overspace & Supertime which is available now via Metal Blade Records. Will this effort assist their quest for world domination?
Cryogenically Frozen commences with slick, jazz riffing, introducing twisting and turning complexities as it progresses. The frenetic yet melodic approach is incredibly addictive. Glistening clean tones trade places with swift shredding in this unpredictable but remarkably cohesive opener. Stratocumulus Evergaol is not for the faint of heart clocking in at a mammoth 29 minutes. What resembles an endeavour of epic proportions duly rewards you for your patience with its cleverly structured layering and elaborate textures. The sometimes ominous soundscape is accompanied by intense waves of accelerated instrumentation and effective rhythmic surges to keep you gripped as the journey unfolds. The effective use of vocal panning develops a sense of unrest as skin searing velocity meets crystal clear precision. The ebbing and flowing tempo shifts are bolstered by formidable blast beats in an elevated thrash-infused frenzy.
Hyperspace Topography is an explosion of colour. The invigorating, uplifting tones collide with an aggressive sharpness as fascinating artistry bends in a multitude of directions. As the track charges forward it delves into darker, more unhinged ferocity as otherworldly experimentation seeps into the already expansive onslaught. Hexagonal Eyes (Diverity Trepaphymphasyzm) provides a similarly intriguing yet chaotically dense proposition, challenging the listener with its jarring intricacies. Flourishes of inventive lead work and gruesome vocal expulsions add a further layer of eccentricity to the forefront. Overspace & Supertime eases you in with alluring clean melodies and continuously shifting patterns to keep your ears piqued before unleashing a vicious volley of frenzied orchestration. Haunting theremin sequences are a befitting companion to the sci-fi submerged antics. Sudden tempo shifts fly at you thick and fast without feeling too excessive or overwhelming.
The mind-bending creativity of CRYPTIC SHIFT will not be for everyone but for those who enjoy experiencing a vivid array of shapeshifting textures and tones delivered at breakneck speed then Overspace & Supertime is a feast for the senses. Their innovative use of effects and structuring demands your attention for the duration of its runtime for the fear of blinking and missing a vital piece of their sprawling compositions. This effort runs in parellel to its predecessor Visitations From Enceladus and neatly scatters breadcrumbs calling back to their impressive debut. Every element of their output is meticulously planned and this level of detail is precisely one of the many reasons why CRYPTIC SHIFT are one of extreme metals most fresh and exciting prospects.
Rating: 9/10
Overspace & Supertime is out now via Metal Blade Records.
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