ONSLAUGHT 011
CRYOSTASIUM
CRYOSTASIUM
CDEP
Tracklisting:
1. Intro
2. Asylum B
3. Asylum C - HEAR IT
4. Asylum D
5. Outro
The debut self-titled EP of CRYOSTASIUM resonates with frequencies in sectors of the mind shunned by many - yet its abyssic quality is as much entrancing as it is overwhelming. Thick, hypnotic Black Metal riffs, haunting bass, and dark, otherworldly sounds invoke moods of dementia and disturbingly familiar feelings of derangement. Taking sanctuary in the asylum of CRYOSTASIUM is a dangerous endeavor for even the strong-willed, but those who can withstand the narcotic dischord shall revel in its secrets.
Release date: January 28th, 2005
REVIEWS
Cryostasium
Here we have a fine specimen of black ambient/noise. Cryostasium's self titled album further explores the ambient textures and soundscapes of bands like Velvet Cacoon and Xasthur, the uncomfortable randomness of bands like Abruptum and Emit and adds swirling layers of noise not found in any of these mentioned bands. The songs, aptly titled Asylum B, Asylum C and Asylum D, sound as the names would imply. They emit an aura of what I would imagine a mental breakdown would sound like.
Below the effects ridden guitars, played in a style typical to black metal, are seemingly random and extremely odd/uncomfortable layers of more reverb/delay infested guitars and ambience/noise. Moments similar to Xasthur, Hvis Lyset Tar Oss era Burzum and Velvet Cacoon are abundant in this release, however it still maintains originality. Hypnotic droning riffs and slower more abstract and creepy moments create a great atmosphere which reeks of depression, mental instability and bleak dissonance. The production sounds quite muddy, not the typical style of black metal which is all treble and no bass. The only downfall of the album is that the drum machine sounds terribly artificial, but I don’t believe it to be bad enough to drag the album down at all.
Overall, I think this is a great album. As said above, the only flaw is the drum machine, in my opinion. If you are into Velvet Cacoon chances are you will love this obscure release.
Nate Wheeler
THE METAL GARAGE