When we speak about bands of "extreme" genres, it's not uncommon to see their music getting lighter as they gain popularity. And there is nothing wrong with such evolution. However, when over the course of time the early powerful tracks are replaced with something less intense, it could feel really bitter, even despite the quality of work remaining high. Thankfully, Crystal Lake isn't one of those bands. They continue to go straight forward, with each release building more power, density and aggression into their sound. Indeed, new album HELIX can be called the wildest Crystal Lake release to date.
Even after dozens of playbacks the craziness of the release is as catchy and energising as the first time. The intensity and speed of the album are so insane that it might even make you forget how to breathe! The release kicks off with the berserk Aeon. Its hellish blast beats and the absence of clear structure instantly launch HELIX into the stratosphere. “Breathe in, breathe out” reminds listeners of the next song, angry Agony, before inviting them to mosh along with it until they faint.
When the track finally reaches its calm ending after three minutes of pure metalcore insanity, the only thought remaining is: "Whoa, what the hell just happened?" This was just the second track, and the listeners are already overfilled with adrenaline.
"Hah, it’s just the beginning!" yells HELIX back at the listener, launching the powerful +81 and one of the fastest songs on the album, wild and sincere Lost in Moment. From this point, you fully realise that Crystal Lake offer so much energy that it's almost impossible not to jump or headbang while listening to the album.
There are also relatively calm tracks such as Outgrow or Just Confusing . They are like the calm before the storm, allowing you to take a breath and gain strength to stand up against the aggression of the album again. But is it really necessary to hold back? Let yourself go, let the wild music take control of you, absorb its aggression, jump, go wild, rock with the band until the very end—which may be hard to outlive, because the final explosion of Sanctuary can easily smash you against the wall.
HELIX is a breathtaking ultrasonic flight. The new album burns everything off with its wild energy, destroys with heavy aggressive sound and angry vocals, but, gladly, never strays into the territory of thoughtless instrumental mess. This album is something you’ll definitely want to come back to, in order to charge up or let off some steam, or just to experience its crazy atmosphere once again.
Buy it, stream it, but don’t walk past this work. HELIX will surely blow your mind.
