Thrash Till You Drop: The Cryptogram by Cryptic (1996)
Alright, buckle up, because we’re diving into The Cryptogram, a thrashy little gem from Germany that hit the scene in ’96. Self-released under their own label—because who needs gatekeepers when you’ve got riffs?—this album is like a time capsule of raw energy and unfiltered aggression. It’s not perfect, but hey, neither is life, right?
Let’s talk tracks. First up, “Time Of Tears.” This one hits hard, like an unexpected tax bill. The guitar work here is relentless, with solos sharp enough to slice through your headphones. The vocals? Imagine someone yelling at you while you're trying to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee—it’s equal parts annoying and oddly compelling. But damn if it doesn’t stick in your head. I found myself humming bits of it days later, which either means it’s catchy as hell or I need professional help.
Then there’s “Dark Angel,” the kind of track that makes you want to grab a broomstick, pretend it's a battle axe, and storm imaginary fortresses. The drumming is so punchy it could double as cardio motivation, and the lyrics are delightfully over-the-top. Honestly, after listening to this song three times in a row, I started Googling medieval weaponry. Not even kidding.
Other standouts include “Winter Depression (Intro),” which sets the mood like a cold draft sneaking through a broken window, and “Showdown Of The Gods,” where the band flexes its ability to balance speed and groove without losing momentum. Even though some transitions feel a bit rough around the edges, it adds to the charm. Like finding a scratch on a vintage vinyl—it just proves it’s been loved.
Now, let’s get real for a second. Thrash metal in the mid-’90s wasn’t exactly breaking new ground anymore; the genre had already seen its golden age back in the ‘80s. But what The Cryptogram lacks in innovation, it makes up for in sheer passion. These guys weren’t chasing trends—they were too busy shredding their faces off. And honestly? That’s kinda refreshing.
So yeah, The Cryptogram might not change your life, but it’ll definitely make your morning commute more exciting. Or give you something loud to play while ignoring your neighbors. Either way, it’s worth a spin if you’re into no-frills, high-octane rockin’.
Oh, and fun fact: If you listen closely during “Morbid Visions,” you can almost hear the sound of beer bottles clinking together in celebration. Cheers to that.
