Descent Into Lunacy

Cryptorium

“Descent Into Lunacy” is an old school Death Metal hammering, direct, aggressive, brutal, and bone-chilling
December 6, 2024

CRYPTORIUM were formed in 2022, and they are from Stockholm, Sweden. The Death Metal outfit release their debut album, and it has a length of almost 31 minutes. The album was mixed and mastered by Jimmy Lundberg. It was released via Mexican Doom, Death, and Black Metal specialists Chaos Records. The album starts frantic with the song “Incarcerated”. After a punishing guitar introduction, the track develops into a mixture of blistering pace and measured tempo at a sluggish rhythm. The guitar riffing is simple, direct, and aggressive. The vocals are growls and vary between the deep and medium end of the guttural range. The vocals on the album are split between all three band members with guitarist Fabbe being on vocal duties during most of the tracks. “Incarcerated” also had a guest contribution by Hugo Lundquist, who delivers a contributing lead guitar solo. “Horrid Excultation” is a track at crazy pace and devastating guitar riffs from the first to the final note. It is a Death Metal hammering without mercy, while the melodies are blood-freezing. The break switches into a slow and doom-laden part, but it does not take long for the bludgeoning to continue. “Horrid Excultation” is the official video release, and the YouTube link is provided below.

Inner Decay” continues with the old school Death Metal assault and with an extended guitar introduction. The verse part starts with crunching basslines and leads into a constant switch between mid-tempo and insane pace. The riffing is very aggressive and simple as it is for most tracks. One album feature is the extended instrumental part at the beginning of most tracks and “A Distant Dream” is no exception. From then onwards, the track is a pummeling of the listener with switching paces, direct guitar riffing, and bone-chilling melodies. The track includes one of the rare lead guitar solos, which could have been a bit longer. “Void Of Life” starts right from the beginning with the verse parts at a fast pace. It is perhaps the track with the catchiest riffing and melodies. The break leads into a measured tempo part with a doom-laden and very contributing lead guitar solo. The track is one of the best album songs.

Obscure Reality” is introduced with thunderous guitar riffs at mid-tempo, transitioning into a frantic verse part. The vocals are performed by drummer Albin, and he uses slightly deeper growls. The tempo and rhythm switch a few times, however, most of the track is played at measured tempo with a sluggish rhythm. The melodies are bone-chilling throughout and the track finishes with a short but cool lead guitar solo. The start of “Mournful Dawn” is chilling and reminds me on a ballad-esque song. As there is nothing like a ballad in traditional Death Metal, the track develops into a slow and doom-laden track with blood-freezing melodies. The vocals are performed by bassist Knalle, and he also uses deep-lying growls. Speaking of doom, the final track of the album starts with the bells from hell, leading into a short slow introductory part, before all hell break loose. The title track is another frantic hammering at insane pace mixed up with a few mid-tempo parts in between. At the end of the track, darkness prevails at a slow tempo with chilling melodies at a sluggish rhythm. It is with about six minutes the longest song on the album. “Descent Into Lunacy” is one of the album highlights and a great way to finish the album.

CRYPTORIUM offer a decent traditional Death Metal album. “Descent Into Lunacy” is direct, aggressive, brutal, and dark. It is very much an old school album, hammering most of the time, chilling throughout, and with little technicality of the guitars, bass, and drums. The album is well produced. The songwriting leaves still room for improvement. Fans who love their Death Metal simple and raw will love the album and I am sure we will hear more from this promising Death Metal band in the future.

8 / 10

Excellent

Songwriting

7

Musicianship

8

Memorability

7

Production

8
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"Descent Into Lunacy" Track-listing:
  1. Incarcerated
  2. Horrid Excultation
  3. Inner Decay
  4. A Distant Dream
  5. Void Of Life
  6. Obscure Reality
  7. Mournful Dawn
  8. Descent Into Lunacy
Cryptorium Lineup:

Fabbe Guitars, Vocals

Albin Drums, Vocals

Knalle Bass, Vocals

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