Sci-Fi Death Metal band CRYPTIC SHIFT comes back with their first full-length, "Visitations from Enceladus", following 2016's debut EP "Beyond the Celestial Realms." The band boasts a Prog tour-de-force in just four tracks here, ranging from five minutes and a half to a mammoth twenty-six minutes in length. Fusing elements of Technical Death Metal, Experimental Metal, Mathcore and classic Progressive Rock, they deliver an outstanding slice of modern Progressive Metal.

Opener "Moonbelt Immolator" is a twenty-six minute epic. It builds slowly, with a lengthy, noisy intro. Some sci-fi sounds and weird effects appear throughout. In a way, it feels like a modern take into classic sci-fi prog epics, like RUSH's "2112" or EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER's "Tarkus". There is a lot to unpack here, from soft jazzy explorations to dual guitar harmonization, from crazy odd-time grooves to frantic blast beat assaults. The song goes through several sections but everything gets tied together by strong songwriting and a clear personality, letting the band explore different sounds without feeling too chaotic or out of character.

Following that opener opus, is "(Petrified in the) Hypogean Gaol", again returning to the complex and intricate songwriting. Riffs are angular and shift almost constantly. During almost eight minutes, it threads a line between melodic and chaotic. Quite reminiscent of BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME and THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN on their Math-y side, with just a dash of classic Experimental Metal extravaganzas like VOIVOD or CYNIC. It slaps hard, still retaining a luminous quality that fits perfectly with the sci-fi theme. John Riley's bass lays down a nasty groove on the last third of the track.

Storm samples and echoey guitar open "The Arctic Chasm". A mysterious and slightly sinister track with some truly demonic growling. Shifting song structure and playful heaviness. It goes slightly jazzy for a softer second half. Some beautifully layered guitar work and exquisite soloing. Builds into a mild explosion and a (literally) noisy coda.

Closer "Planetary Hypnosis" is equal parts nasty noise and jazzy meandering. Some groovy bass work and squeaking guitar parts. Ryan Sheperson and John Riley channel the jazzier side of CYNIC here with their work. There are some insane, breakneck speed blast beats too. Sheperson truly shows his range and eclectic approach behind the kit. A fun, technically impressive closer, though a bit uneven when it comes down to songwriting.

Overall, a strong effort by CRYPTIC SHIFT that highlights their impeccable musicianship, creative songwriting and competent production. The album may lack some hooks, but it is a minor complaint considering how dense and filled with narrative this music actually is. Its complexity is not impenetrable, though, being an enjoyable and tricky ride.