Shadows in the Crypt belong to the family of USBM bands. The States have played a major role in the development of the orthodox and depressive sound in the worldwide Black Metal scene, and to tell the truth, it never disappoints. Nachtmystium, Xasthur, Profanatica are just some of the names of the bands based in the US. The competition level is high, and this is what Shadows In the Crypt must consider. Believe me, I do not mean anything offensive by saying that, I totally support every underground band that sacrificed much time and money to release their album. Especially bands who put their ”personality” in their music, instead of copying Gorgoroth all the time. Shadows In The Crypt are exactly what I am talking about. In the listening sessions of these albums, I noticed, that these guys experiment a lot. This is a benefit. How else can you define your style, your characteristic feature. It’s the artistic nature that’s all important.
On the other hand, sometimes experimenting more than you have to, leads to something confusingly normal and this causes an exertion of opposite feelings to the fans. Before you think of anything wrong, please read the whole review and you will see what I mean.
Beyond The Grave (2011)( Self Released)
This album contains excellent technical skills, chaotic solos and a good production, something very difficult for a self-released album, especially nowadays.
Starting with the vocals, everyone can clearly understand the obvious inspiration of Ihsahn. The bad thing is that the voice has no colour. It is very raw and monotonous. Also the band does not specify its style. It’s a good thing they want to mix all these inspirations, but they overdid it. Apart from the skill, the connection between the riffs is lacking and the solos sound very similar to each other. An example of what the band can really achieve, can be found in the songs ”Reign Of Eternal Darkness” and ”Haunted Dreams”, recommended for Emperor fans.
It’s not bad, but its not as good as the other USBM bands. And due to the high competition with bands like Kult Ov Azazel, Acheron, Absu, Profanatica, they should have made a better album. But it is self released, it is fun listening to it, it’s a very good job and they should do more. But they must define their genre and their style.
I want to conclude with a sentence, explaining my whole opinion about this CD: It is musically medium, with some very good parts in it. Nothing special.
(6/10)
Cryptic communications (2012) (Horror Pain Gore Death Productions)
Do you think you are going to read something similar as above? Absolutely not. Cryptic Communications is an excellent work. I mean it. It is much louder and with more imaginative vocals as well as containing stronger compositions. As I was analyzing the songs, I enjoyed it very much. ‘Revolutionary Genocidal Madness’ played 4 times in my playlist and is surely one of the soundtracks of the Apocalypse.
A good primitive sound, good riffing, orientated style, much more organized compositions, more orthodox, more melodic and pure as Hell. Inspired by Mayhem and Attila, along with primitive Darkthrone melodies, crazy thrashy solos and melody. A CD that is definitely worth buying it’s an excellent work, very pleasant in listening and mature, meaning that even Old School Black metal fan will love it. I hope Shadows In The Crypt do more in the future. I wish them Satanic Blessings and success at what they do.
(8.5/10 Dionysios Mantid)
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