Can you sense the storm approaching? If you listen to this album, you’ll undoubtedly feel its impending presence. CRYPTA has made a return with a new release, and they’ve got their game on. “Shades of Sorrow” presents us with 13 fresh tracks, delivering once again the finest of Brazilian death metal. Released on August 4th, 2023, via Napalm Records, the lineup remains intact with Fernanda Lira (ex-NERVOSA) leading as frontwoman and bassist, accompanied by Tainá Bercamaschi (ex-HAGBARD) and Jéssica Falchi (ex-BURN INCORPORATED, who joined the band after Sonia Anubis left in 2022) both on guitars, and Luana Dametto (ex‑NERVOSA) on the drums.
From a chronological standpoint, CRYPTA may still be considered relatively new, with this being only their second album (their debut album was released not long ago in 2021). However, they certainly do not fall short of delivering a solid musical identity within the realm of death metal. Both old-school fans and first-time listeners can equally enjoy their sound.
The intro song, “The Aftermath,” – features a soft piano melody, that slowly builds up into what the listeners should actually pay attention to: something wicked is coming and it’s impossible to overlook. “Dark Clouds” emerges with drums taking the lead, followed by the riffs, delivering a fresh and even surprising take. For me, it was an instant favorite, making me wonder how it would sound live. It’s the sort of song that works wonders as the opener in a setlist. Written in first person, the lyrics align harmoniously with the rhythm.
The story continues with “Poisonous Apathy,” where the combination of melody and chorus coalesces into a well-fitting whole. It’s evident how they draw upon the roots of DEATH, yet their approach is by no means limited to it. Their own craft is there, sound and clear.
“The Outsider” is the best track of the album, as I kept hitting replay repeatedly several times. This extends both to its musical composition and its lyrical content. The overall tone is a bit more obscure from the first few seconds on, especially compared to the other songs. With a captivating solo, the band knows what they are doing and what their range is as composers. “Stronghold” follows in a similar direction, listeners may recognize hints of heavy metal – dare I say doom. It’s subtle, but it is there, specifically from mid-song onward.
One aspect that sometimes is overlooked is how production can carefully combine songs in a seamless way, facilitating a natural transition from one to the next. I am pleased to say this album presents such an example between “Stronghold” and “The Other Side of Anger,” like two sides of the same coin. The lyrics, this time, are harsher, prompting speculation: could it be all the narrator’s fault? What’s the path to setting you free is the verse that led me to this thought. Rightfully, we meet this song halfway to the end, which might just well the turning point.
The second instrumental song, “The Limbo,” tells me it is the type of tale that will hardly end well. The eighth track of the record was the previously released single, “Trial of Traitors,” although an okay track, it’s not completely representative of the album’s sound and one could easily miss that starting from the single release. “Lullaby for the Forsaken” is another example of the surprise twists they have woven into this album, which I personally enjoy. Just when you anticipate the song’s direction, everything shifts; a change for the better. Well not for the story’s character, but you got the gist. Definitely, this track rounds out my top 3 for this album, right after “The Outsider.”
“Agents of Chaos” may divide listeners between liking how different and even softer it sounds compared to the other ones and those who may feel a bit disconnected from it. “Lift the Blindfold” is the track that is leading us to the finale. I found it interesting how the questions marked by the end can be balanced by the final verses as the answers to the narrative. The song’s solo is right on point too.
“Lord of Ruins” is one of the last songs of the album, making it full circle, there are no more scattered pieces as the narrator found the path and learned how to walk across the dark valley: still amidst chaos, I shall remain. This song was also released as a single and has gathered 18,000 likes on Youtube, still counting. As a fellow Brazilian, I get quite content to see bands from here working their way to deliver new songs to the masses. The production of the video clip portrays the same symbols present in the cover art and sets the tone for the album in an inviting manner. The final track, also instrumental, is there to tell us there might be more challenges on the way, even when you get “The Closure.”
The album is well-balanced with instrumental songs and slight twists and turns here and there. Overall, the highlight of the album was the consistency delivered by the whole band. When I say consistency, I mean the evident care in the songs’ arrangements. The songs not only weave a coherent narrative for attentive listeners but also maintain a connection to their debut album, “Echoes of the Soul.” The lyrics are more mature, indeed, but without losing the essence paved in their previous release; an honest work, no doubt.
Last but not least, the artwork caught my eye as it could be interpreted as a subtle nod to two tarot cards: the Seven and Eight of Swords. This connection beautifully aligns with the story told by the narrator, while the stars glisten faintly in the background. Could this signify a glimpse of hope among the “Shades of Sorrow?” Perhaps all it takes is letting go of the blindfold…
Written by Denise Di Lallo Ragazzo
Tracklist
1 The Aftermath
2 Dark Clouds
3 Poisonous Apathy
4 The Outsider
5 Stronghold
6 The Other Side of Anger
7 The Limbo
8 Trial of Traitors
9 Lullaby for the Forsaken
10 Agents of Chaos
11 Lift the Blindfold
12 Lord of Ruins
13 The Closure
Lineup
Fernanda Lira – bass, vocals
Jéssica di Falchi – guitar
Tainá Bergamaschi – guitar
Luana Dametto – drums
Label
Napalm Records
