Review CRYPTIC SHIFT “Overspace & Supertime”

Founded in 2011, Cryptic Shift may not yet be widely known beyond the underground scene. This could change with the release of their second studio album, “Overspace & Supertime”.

Hailing from Leeds, England, the four-piece first gained recognition with their debut album, “Visitations from Enceladus”, released in 2020. This album caught the attention of Metal Blade Records, who are now releasing the band’s second album.

“Overspace & Supertime” is both a lyrical and musical continuation of the debut. This time, however, the band has pushed everything several steps further, resulting in a wild, galactic ride. The album is a concept record that explores an alternate reality to that depicted in “Visitations from Enceladus”. The protagonist embarks on even stranger adventures, a narrative vividly reflected in the album’s artwork. While the cover art may evoke classic releases by Fates Warning, the musical similarities are minimal. The real connection lies in their shared devotion to complex, multifaceted songwriting.

With roots firmly in extreme metal, Cryptic Shift blend death metal and thrash with strong technical elements. Nothing on “Overspace & Supertime” is straightforward. The songs twist and turn constantly; just when a main theme seems to emerge, the band abruptly veers off in a different direction. The 29-minute epic “Starocumulus Evergaol” embodies this approach perfectly. Starting with a dark, atmospheric intro and luminous lead guitars suggesting a sense of cosmic infinity, the track soon erupts into a whirlwind of technical metal chaos. Within this single song, the band incorporates more creative ideas than many groups manage across an entire album. Despite its jazzy complexity and metallic ferocity, the album remains surprisingly accessible.

Cryptic Shift take listeners on a dense, layered journey through extreme metal, shifting between introspective interludes and explosive outbursts. “Hyperspace Topography” is another highlight, featuring a calm, jazz-infused middle section that provides a brief breathing space before the next blistering riff hits.

“Overspace & Supertime” is a frantic album — a musical fever dream that propels listeners across the cosmos. It is demanding and occasionally unsettling, requiring focus and attention to fully appreciate its brilliance. In an era defined by shrinking attention spans, this record challenges both the ears and the mind. It stands as a striking example of music driven by a bold creative vision, where artistic freedom is the guiding force. Experiencing this album is an intense and rewarding journey that continues to resonate long after it ends.