Vermont itself probably is best known for its mountains and snow-related events in the winter, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and lots of woods – but there is a bubbling interest in heavy music growing due to bands like Barishi, Jeopardy, and the following quartet up for examination Crypitus. Latin for ‘the sound of breaking bones’, they are self-described as a thrashing death metal group- and there’s certainly a lot going on musically and vocally for these gentlemen – even in the position of a three-song debut demo. It’s obvious after a few spins that potential is present to separate Crypitus from the pack, establishing their own brand of heavy songs with wild twists and turns.
Exhibit 1: Prelude to the Dead World exists for listeners who enjoy left-field tangents off their favored aggressive music tendencies – experimental, progressive, or jazz-like movements in unexpected pockets to enhance the arrangements. It’s fair to say everything from Voivod to Frank Zappa and Rush will pop up when traversing this material – be it through the low monotone uttering of “Tundra” (Snake of Voivod would approve), the twisted lead breaks of Doug Friend, and rhythm section interplay that moves from progressive passages to thunderous fills beyond basic double kicks and fluid bottom end work. The typewriter, Morse Code-like guitar/drum intertwining that opens “Breakdown” gives chase to Doug’s blood curdling screams and evil riffs that venture across a blackened/progressive landscape- madmen let loose in the early 90’s Scandinavian scene against American angst and Mr. Bungle-oriented experimentation. At almost seven-minutes “Thunder” is the longest track, containing addictive Sabbath/Rush-like riffing and shifting tempos throughout – the trilling and savage screams again thrash/death gold with the rhythm section keeping things loose and go with the flow.
This demo doesn’t necessarily have that crystal-clear production job one may expect out of the gate – but there’s a charm to this rough and raw aspect this early in the band’s career. The fact that they are so remote in terms of location probably helps Crypitus in establishing their own foothold due to the diverse set of influences. As such, Exhibit 1: Prelude to the Dead World could gain a cult-ish buzz, as this primal demo attacks and rarely lets up.