CoC : Cryptic Fate - Ends Are Forever : Review

Cryptic Fate - _Ends Are Forever_
by: Alain M. Gaudrault (not rated)

These guys are apparently the first Bangladeshi heavy metal band ever. Not only are they playing English-sung metal in a country generally unresponsive to the genre, but they're all quite young, the eldest members being only 20 years of age. What they've released is more than a demo, and is actually a full-length album which is being promoted mainly through indirect channels. _Ends Are Forevr_ is by no means a "brutal" offering in any way. Cryptic Fate's influences include Iron Maiden, Alice In Chains, old Metallica, and Dream Theater, among others, and this comes out in their song stylings, although oftentimes on a song by song basis. That is to say, one song will have major AiC overtones, another will feature Iron Maiden influences, and so on. Don't get me wrong, though, as this is an excellent recording from a band with loads of potential. What they need is to bridge the various styles and influences into a more unified sound, something I feel they can achieve with time and effort. The guitar sound is unfortunately quite muddy and undefined (read: shitty), and the rhythms are occasionally a tad simplistic and in need of an additional creative spark, although the leadwork is memorable and impressive. The vocals are well-recorded and reminiscent of Death Angel's Mark Osegueda in certain ways, making for a decent overall sound. Recommended for fans of DA/The Organization and the above-mentioned influences.

Contact: Farshed Mahmud, P.O. Box 726, Amherst College

(article published 14/3/1996)