Review TEXTURES “Genotype”

Textures is one of the most well-established names in Dutch progressive metal. Founded in 2001, the band debuted in 2003 with “Polars”. This marked the beginning of their journey to becoming a key player in the world of sophisticated metal. However, things never last forever, and Textures announced their split in 2017, with a final show in their hometown of Tilburg. At the time, the band had a new album in the making, titled “Genotype”, which was never meant to be released.

However, life sometimes offers unexpected twists. In 2023, Textures announced their return. “Genotype” is the title of the new album, but if you think the band simply warmed up what was prepared years ago, you couldn’t be more wrong. The new studio album features eight entirely new songs, completely unrelated to the 2016 sessions.

A taster of what to expect from “Genotype” came a few months ago with the release of “Closer to the Unknown”. The song created a buzz in the metal community, and the lead single is a prime example of what defines Textures’ music. Brutal screams and excellent melodies are key features of Textures’ distinctive sound. The combination of a direct approach and complex elements defines the essence of Textures’ music, as exemplified by “Closer to the Unknown”.

“At the Edge of Winter”, the second song launched prior to the album release, features a guest appearance. Former Delain singer Charlotte Wessels joined the band, and her vocals are a great addition to the Textures sound. The combination of her voice and that of Daniël de Jongh is a great match, adding a new facet.

The title of the opener is “Void”. The album begins with a galactic sound, featuring prominent synth elements that reminded me of Devin Townsend. A gentle guitar joins in, accompanied by a powerful drumbeat that hints at the musical heaviness to come. “Void” is an instrumental with a cinematic approach, followed by the aforementioned “At the Edge of Winter”, which unveils its melodic charm.
“Measuring the Heavens” doesn’t deviate much from the band’s musical principles. Beautifully crafted melodies interact with a darker atmosphere. The song maintains a moderate pace, gradually building to a feeling of underlying discomfort with its majestic riffs towards the end, while the superb melodies lend a touch of brightness to the darkness.

Regardless of where you drop the needle, each song on this album is a treat for the ears. There is the stellar atmosphere of “Vanishing Twins” and the gloomy “A Seat for the Like-Minded”, which showcase Textures’ versatility. The latter also adds a dystopian feel to the album. “Walls of the Soul” brings the album to a close, and is another gem on “Genotype”, fusing progressive structures with a post-metal spirit. “Walls of the Soul” is an emotionally profound cornerstone of an album that showcases masters of their art at work.

Textures are back. The Dutch progressive flagship has added a highly anticipated new album to their list of accomplishments, and the music that blasts out of the speakers is captivating, performed with pure power and featuring strong melodies. “Genotype” captivates from start to finish.