EP Review: Neo Cryptid - Agent of Chaos
Reviewed by Matthew Williams
Here we have another project that was “born out of a moment of madness and isolation in the depths of lockdown” from Bradford’s tornado of noise Rick Walker, better known as Neo Cryptid. Armed with a new, and somewhat appropriately named EP, called “Agent of Chaos”, it’s a clear indication of what lurks in the shadows.
The melting pot of power metal and groove, combined with repetitive and roaring EDM beats, begins with “Raveyard” and Walker is straight in there with some great lyrics that celebrate getting through the dark times. “Standing here before you, I am fire from the mountain” roars the vocal, but it’s the beat that leaves my head spinning at times. I used to be a raver back in my long and distant youth, and this is taking me right back in time as a smile adorns my face.
“Abhean Pact” has a slightly more sinister opening, before the beat sets the song on fire, as the lyric emphasises the point, as he bellows “I’ll give you the fuel to build up the pyre”. It has some space age shooting sounds like blasts from the X-wing starfighter in Star Wars, but it is over pretty much before it begins. However, that just means that the next song, “Displacer Beast” can begin as it explodes out of the speakers.
I’ve listened a few times to the songs before writing this review as I tried to think of who and what the music sounds and reminds me of, but I can’t quite put my finger on it. I love the metal/synth/dance fusion that leads to that industrial edge, think NIN, Ministry and Godflesh, and my head is bouncing all over the place listening to the brilliant middle track on the EP.
With guest vocals from Elkapath’s Carla, “Immolate Me” takes the EP to another level, as they add a moving and melancholy feel to the chorus. With a touch of Gary Numan in certain parts of the vocal from Walker, the song has more of a metalcore feel to it, as it’s like a frenzied knife attack before he delivers a monstrous breakdown.
Walker has packed an awful lot into these 5 songs and leaves the heaviest and most pulsating track for the finale. “Overlord” sees the vitriolic lyrics embellished by a plethora of guest vocals, including Samantha from Neon Oracle, who brings a sense of calm to proceedings whilst Walker wails in fury. The delicate, almost fragile ending, is seemingly fitting for the final words of “there may be some sedentary use for overlords” as it wraps up a whirlwind of frantic and dramatic soundscapes powered by one man’s passion for making mind melting music.
Be the first to comment