Textures – Genotype
Textures – Genotype
Kscope Records
23/01/2026
Review by Oli Gonzalez
8/10
Hailing from The Netherlands, a nation that has never been afraid of straying from the conventions of songwriting, Textures followed in that suit. Their style offered progressive metal that blended precise technicality, assertive controlled aggression, and aesthetically pleasing hooks and melodies in a bold and genre challenging package. So much so that when the band disbanded almost 10 years ago, their absence was felt. Even mourned. Though the sound of cheers upon learning the news of the band getting back together could be heard the world over. Matched only by the roars of delight upon learning that music would come in the shape of “Genotype”, a new album to be handled by Kscope records.
Textures take the longer and more dramatic approach in the introduction to ‘Void’ and the introduction to the album as a whole. You certainly feel eased in and are gradually given chance to settle, ready for the ride. This is before the band shift gears and enter the realm of complex polyrhythms in ‘At The Edge Of Winter’ and densely layered rhythmic structures, as well as tapestry melodic guitar textures, all with a healthy dose of crunch and distortion. The production feels large and epic, like a symphonic metal album! Lead vocalist Daniel demonstrates versatility in his voice. Whether it’s his cleans or heavier vocals, there’s no lack of passion his technique is impressive. Providing the basis for an excellent duet and ballad feel with Charlotte Wessels. The dramatic ending to this number will dust off any cobwebs for certain, with a crushing finale that would make a Meshuggah song feel like a nursery rhyme!
Things slow down and the dynamics are much calmer in the opening moments to ‘Measuring To Heavens’. All building towards…well it’s not very clear. It runs the risk of having all these excellent ideas and segments but having no real end goal or direction. Much like a star-studded football team without a head coach to get the best out of them. It can feel like a random selection of hooks, like a fisherman’s tackle box rather than a well thought-out composition.
Though things feel a bit more simple and stripped back in ‘Vanishing Twin’, a more simple structure rather that prioritizes emotion and feeling over technicality…and it works! More of that please?! By far the strongest work on the album. One thing progressive metal bands can be criticized for is having songs that are just simply too long. ‘Closer To The Unknown’ demonstrates that the band are capable of delivering a short sharp burst of all the best bits of progressive metal in one manageable almost 4 minute, playlist friendly number. They get down and heavy again, showing they can flex their muscles and drop the gnarliest of drops! Let’s stand and admire Joe and Barts impressive guitar work here too!
Now, although I implied that the songs were becoming too unstructured and just a random mix of ideas; that’s not the case of the final song ‘Walls Of The Soul’. The progression from calm and ambient to skull crushingly heavy is so gradual you barely notice. It’s a journey though, I’ll give you that. Do you want emotion? Things shift gears once again and slow to a glacial drip at around the 6 minute mark. This is your chance to be caressed by genuine soul healing sounds, therapy in audio form. A chance to decompress from this wild journey deep into the left field of metal. This dichotomy and juxtaposition perhaps sum up Textures the best. “Genotype” is a statement. Textures are back!
TRACKLISTING:
01. Void
02. At The Edge Of Winter
03. Measuring the Heavens
04. Nautical Dusk
05. Vanishing Twin
06. Closer To The Unknown
07. A Seat For The Like Minded
08. Walls Of The Soul
LINKS:
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