Cryptic Shift – Overspace & Supertime
Cryptic Shift – Overspace & Supertime
Metal Blade Records
27/02/2026
Review by Oli Gonzalez
9/10
Let’s be clear. The world of Metal is full of cliches and gimmicks. Whether it’s those who drench themselves in corpse paint, or make numerous references to Satan that are convincing nobody. That’s why I wasn’t entirely sold on the idea of a Sci-fi themed Metal band when I first came across Cryptic Shift. Also, the 25 minute single ‘Moonbelt Immolator’ felt like a marathon and a test of endurance to get through. That being said, people’s tastes do change over the years, perhaps “Overspace & Supertime” would offer something different than what I had heard previously. After all, we’ve seen the roaring success of Blood Incantation’s “Absolute Elsewhere” which expertly blends Brutal Death Metal and Psychedelic Rock. Maybe we’ll see elements of this on Cryptic Shift’s upcoming album? Also, Metal Blade don’t sign chumps now do they?
Well, spoiler alert: I was dead wrong to write off Cryptic Shift so early. I was SO wrong. I still stand by my opinion of ‘Moonbelt Immolater’ being too slow, with ideas progressing at a snail’s pace. In “Overspace & Supertime” though, the riffs and intensity are thrown at you from all angles! The mix and final product is supreme, allowing you to feel the crunching power of the distorted guitars, and the earth shattering rumble of the drums. As for the bass, they could have taken the easy option of root notes like most bassists would. Though they list Cynic as one of their influences, and with the jazz infused basslines that off into a crazy farfetched universe of their own at times, this influence is clear as day! Fans of Cynic, Beyond Creation, and pretty much any other bass enthusiast will purr in admiration over the sheer creativity on display here.
Speaking of creativity, can we just stop to appreciate the psychedelic and experimental elements here? They add to the already solid technical Death Metal foundations already in place, and what you get is a sound that’s far from cliché, and frankly enters realms that many others haven’t dreamed of! This is born from the founding members Ryan and Xander’s joint love of Sci-fi. This is also clear as day; try to imagine a 1970s Sci-fi movie soundtrack mixed with the south of technical Death Metal a la Death in their “Sound Of Perseverance” era, and you’re somewhat nearly there. Finally, can we stop to appreciate the notes and story behind the songs that were provided in the album notes? This is somewhat of a lost art nowadays, with some lazy writers for some reason overlooking this wonderful opportunity to build a connection and provide insight into their art. Something Cryptic Shift don’t need a second invitation to.
Let’s be clear. The world of metal is full of cliches and gimmicks. Whether it’s those who drench themselves in corpse paint, or make numerous references to Satan that are convincing nobody. That’s why I was totally wrong to misjudge Cryptic Shift. Whereas others play it safe on the path most travelled, Cryptic Shift soar into a realm so far away from the conventional, you can’t even remember where the original path was.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Cryogenically Frozen
02. Stratocumulus Evergaol
03. Hyperspace Topography
04. Hexagonal Eyes
05. Overspace & Supertime
LINKS:
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