### Cryptik Howling: Synthetic ascension design

#### 07/07/13 || Cobal

This is a Canadian band, they have released three full-lengths so far and their music is very near the most hated Norwegian act: Dimmu Borgir. Indeed, there’s plenty of similarities between SAD and many of Shagrath and company’s releases furing the last decade.

The film score-like sound, the mid-paced to moderately fast songs and even vocals are pretty similar —except, at moments, Dominic Mongrain-Thériault’s reminded me of Marcus Ehlin’s—, however, there’s one staple that makes Cryptyk Howling have a sound of their own. Unlike other alike acts, these guys don’t try to sound as spectacular as the last Hollywood movie, and rather put a special emphasis on songwriting and guitar work solos included.

Me, I stopped listening to this kind of black metal long ago, but I’ll give them their sound ain’t no trendy —not now, that is— and they seem to be pretty commited to developing a brand of their own.

7/10: more than decent.