CoC : Cryogenic - Celephais : Review

Cryogenic - _Celephais_
(Solistitium, 1999)
by: Alex Cantwell (8.5 out of 10)

I am very impressed with this band, but have no bio, pictures or lyrics to give me an idea of whom I am writing about. Whoever they are, Cryogenic are accomplished musicians within the black metal style, and every instrument gets a moment in the spotlight within the ten songs. The band does nothing to set itself apart from countless others; their use of keyboards and acoustic guitars is similar in style to Norway's Twin Obscenity, but without the heavy folk leanings. The keyboard work also brings to mind Bal-Sagoth, only not as happy sounding. The guitar work is razor sharp, and when the keyboards are not creating thick layers of atmosphere or laying down smooth piano lines, the aggression goes full tilt and the band grinds out one underground masterpiece after another at a frantic pace. I would like to know where these guys came from (all of the song titles are in a foreign language), and what they plan to do in the future with all of the talent that is displayed on _Celephais_. In closing, all I can say is that Cryogenic play black metal, and they play it well.

Contact: Solistitium, PO Box 1210, 26802, Moormerland, Germany

(article published 15/1/2000)