UK progressive death metallers Cryptic Shift have shared "Cryogenically Frozen", the latest single from their upcoming full-length Overspace & Supertime, due out February 27 through Metal Blade Records.
In stark contrast to the sprawling introductions that defined parts of their 2020 debut Visitations From Enceladus, the new track dives in headfirst.
As vocalist and guitarist Alexander Bradley explains, "'Cryogenically Frozen' wastes no time by bursting into a flurry of jazz fusion-esque movements as if metal had an alternate timeline progressing from the lineage of masters like Cynic, Pestilence, and Allan Holdsworth, whilst still remaining true to our death/thrashing tendencies with lightning riffs tailor-made for the headbangers and circle pitters!"
The song also serves a narrative purpose within Cryptic Shift's ever-expanding sci-fi universe. "Simultaneously, all aspects of our songwriting propel our new character, 'The Recaller,' through her sci-fi adventures, beginning with a cybertronic shootout and meditations in dreams and consciousness," Bradley continues.
One of the album's shorter compositions, the track "ends with a moment of calm before the true centerpiece of Overspace & Supertime begins with the 29-minute 'Stratocumulus Evergaol'."
Formed in Leeds in 2015 by Bradley and drummer Ryan Sheperson, Cryptic Shift channel a shared obsession with science fiction and extreme metal into what they describe as "Phenomenal Technological Astrodeath." Their debut album earned widespread acclaim for its progressive technical death/thrash assault, setting the stage for a sequel that pushes both concept and composition even further.
Overspace & Supertime continues that story as an alternate reality to their debut. "The concept of Overspace & Supertime plays as an alternative reality to the happenings of Visitations From Enceladus, taking our character into new dimensions filled with both greater adventures and more bizarre encounters," says Sheperson. "Whilst the concept themes of our sci-fi tale have grown, so have our efforts in synthesizing it with the ultimate Astrodeath soundscape."
Produced by Jack Helliwell, mastered by Greg Chandler (Esoteric, My Dying Bride), and featuring striking artwork by Jesse Jacobi, Overspace & Supertime is shaping up to be one of the most daring extreme metal releases of the year. Pre-orders are available here.
