Cryptosis Interview (Frank te Riet e Laurens Houvast)

– How did you form the band? Can you tell us a little about your history?
Cryptosis was formed from the evolution of our previous band, Distillator. We originally started as a straightforward thrash metal band, heavily inspired by the classic sounds of the ‘80s. Over time, our songwriting naturally became more complex, incorporating progressive elements, orchestration, and a broader range of influences. The transition from Distillator to Cryptosis was a natural evolution for us as musicians. After releasing ‘Summoning the Malicious’ in 2017, we felt that we had creatively explored everything we wanted within the traditional thrash metal framework. While we still love thrash, we started to feel restricted by its boundaries and wanted to challenge ourselves musically.

In 2020, we officially announced our transformation into Cryptosis, a band that blends black, thrash, progressive, symphonic, and extreme metal influences into a unique and futuristic sound. Our debut album, Bionic Swarm, was released in March 2021 via Century Media Records. In late 2022, we finally hit the stage again after COVID, embarking on our first major tour under the Cryptosis name. Since then, we’ve toured with incredible bands like Cynic, Obscura and Vektor, played some amazing festivals like 70.000 Tons Of Metal, and most recently recorded our second album, Celestial Death, set for release on March 7, 2025.

Looking back, the transformation was essential. We didn’t grow tired of Thrash Metal itself, but rather of repeating ourselves. With Cryptosis, we’ve created a sound that to us feels fresh, challenging, and true to our artistic vision. It’s also where we are allowed to fully put our own identity into the music, as the three of us listen to a wide spectrum of different styles. When we write together, it allows us to have our own unique fingerprint instead of simply trying to play music inspired by the bands we love.

– Your first album was very well received in many countries. Do you feel pressure for this new release?
We wouldn’t necessarily call it pressure, but we did take some more time to write this album because of the importance of it. Bionic Swarm was very well received, and we’re extremely grateful for the support we got from fans and the metal community worldwide. When we started writing Celestial Death, we were extremely motivated to push it to the next level. We saw this album as an opportunity to expand our sound and push our creative boundaries even further. We took everything we learned from Bionic Swarm and tried to apply it in Celestial Death, while also bringing in new influences and experimenting with different textures and atmospheres.

In the end, we always want to write music that excites us. For us this is the most important thing. We hope that the metal community and our fans connect with it as much as they did with Bionic Swarm, but the most important thing is that we’re proud of what we’ve created. We believe Celestial Death represents the next evolution of Cryptosis, and we can’t wait for people to experience it.

– “Morte Celestiale”, what is the meaning you give to this title?
The idea behind the album title ‘Celestial Death’ refers to the profound transformation/transition in a spiritual or cosmic sense. It is the end of our universe as we know it and the beginning of another on a grand, universal scale. It’s about rebirth, and the transformative power of endings that pave the way for new beginnings. It symbolizes the death of old beliefs, systems, existence, leading to the emergence of something greater or more enlightened within the infinite expanse of the cosmos. With the rise of technological advancements like AI and similar once futuristic concepts we have entered a new world that is still in the process of defining itself. This album is our way of exploring and expressing that transition.

– And what message do you want to convey with your music?
Celestial Death represents the end of one reality and the emergence of another, emphasizing the transformative power of endings that lead to new beginnings. It symbolizes the dissolution of old beliefs, systems, and ways of existence, making way for something greater or more enlightened. In the context of rapid technological advancements, such as AI, we find ourselves in a world still defining itself. This album serves as our artistic exploration of this transition, capturing the essence of change and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.

– How was it to collaborate with three different recording studios? Are you satisfied with the final product?- How does a typical Cryptosis song come to life? And how do you manage to balance the technical part and the emotion in your songs?
The method of recording Celestial Death was more of less the same as we did on Bionic Swarm. We used the same team (recording, mix and master) on both the albums. We had worked with Olaf Skoreng on the recordings of our debut album, next to being a really great engineer and knowing how music really works he’s also a personal friend of the band. So he knows our skills and weaknesses, knows how to get the very best takes from each individual band member, and knows how to elevate the songs a little more with some cool effects, ideas and creative vision. As for the mixing engineer; Fredrik Folkare, we knew that he understands our sound and he knows really well how to create an atmosphere with the material that we sent to him. The drumsound on this album is fantastic in my personal opinion. As for the mastering, Tony Lindgren is just one of the best in the industry today. Like you probably would summarize from the words just mentioned, we are totally satisfied with the production of this record!

When we began the songwriting process, we recorded every idea that came to mind and put the files into a massive database. After a year or so, we selected the best ideas to continue working on and turn them into full songs. Some were just a single guitar riff, while others were nearly complete musical sections with drums, bass, guitars, and even vocal ideas. For each idea we worked to find the right energy to shape it into a song. We outlined the entire album to ensure that it is a balanced album. We analysed the kinds of songs we already had and identified what was missing. We carefully examined tempos, keys, and the types of riffs and melodies we were using, steering the album toward a diverse but cohesive sound. Some tracks had as many as 25 versions, with changes to verses, bridges, or choruses, while others only needed 5 updates to get them right.

– What are your main musical influences?
We draw inspiration from many sources, many which are unconsciously used in our songwriting processes. First of all, we all listen to metal of course, but aside from that there is a difference between all band members and what other genres are enjoyed as well. Marco is more into heavy metal, thrash metal, hardrock and death metal, whereas Frank is more into avantgarde, atmospheric, black metal and electronic music. I’m more into progressive, black metal, technical and relaxing music.

– Your sound is furious and epic, almost like a soundtrack. What are your literary and cinematographic references?
On our debut album ‘Bionic Swarm’ we were already experimenting with atmospheric sounds and after some time we got a stronger urge to incorporate soundscapes, synths, mellotrons and choirs in our songwriting to achieve the sound that we have in mind. Like mentioned before, we are often influenced by so many different things. We’re big fans of Massive Attack, Klaus Schulze, Jean-Michel Jarre, Vangelis, Trentemøller, Dead Can Dance and many more in this style.

– How do you see the current metal scene? Are there any developments that interest you?
The metal scene is thriving with genre-blending innovation, pushing boundaries in ways that keep the music fresh and exciting. Bands are experimenting with hybrid styles, such as mixing black metal with shoegaze (often referred to as “blackgaze”), death metal with industrial elements, and even integrating folk, electronic, or jazz influences into extreme metal. These fusions are creating unique and immersive sonic experiences that appeal to a broader audience while still retaining the raw intensity that defines metal.

One of the most exciting aspects of this evolution is the increasing open-mindedness within the metal community. While purists still exist, more and more fans are embracing diverse influences rather than strictly adhering to a single subgenre. This shift allows for greater creativity and cross-pollination between different styles, leading to fresh interpretations of classic metal sounds. Additionally, the rise of independent labels, digital distribution, and social media has enabled underground bands to reach global audiences more easily, further accelerating the spread of innovative ideas.

I fully support these developments because they keep the scene alive and dynamic. Metal has always been about pushing limits, and seeing it continue to evolve rather than stagnate is incredibly exciting. There’s a renewed sense of experimentation, and as long as bands stay true to their artistic vision, I believe this genre will continue to expand in unexpected and fascinating ways.

– Is there already a sequel to “Celestial Death”?
Not yet, but new ideas are already forming!

– Are there any collaborations with artists or other bands that you would like to do in the future?
It would be cool to do a collaboration with bands like Blood Incantation, Ozric Tentacles, Oranssi Pazuzu or Trentemøller for example.

– Do you have any rituals or superstitions that you follow before going on stage?
We always like to go with the energy of the venue and the crowd to make it a night to remember!

Thanks for having us on Truemetal.it!

In May/June we’ll embark on a European tour with Onslaught. We’re looking forward to presenting our new music in a live setting and meeting old and new fans on the road. After the tour we’ll fly to Latin America for another tour with ‘Artillery” from Denmark. And in the fall we’re working on shows in Sweden, Denmark, Greece, Portugal, Spain and Mexico. It’s gonna be a busy, but fun year for the band.

Make sure to follow us on the social media channels you like and keep an eye out because we might also come to play in your town sooner or later!

https://linktr.ee/cryptosis_band
Cheers,

Laurens & Frank / Cryptosis