Cryogenization

Insanity's first output comes off as a thrash metal group with a certain acceptable hint of likeability. It isn't wild or out of control like other well known, previous 80's Brazilian exports. It feels like it has a held back feel to it. Like it was going for a more processed atmosphere, rather than a raw or untamed experience. Sorry to disappoint you, but the band name doesn't translate to the music of this release.

It was recorded evenly in a studio with each instrument having its place to shine. The instruments aren't all trying to push their way to the front. But rather work together as a cohesive whole.

There are two short acoustic interludes in the beginning of both songs. That was a stand out feature. Because you wonder where the band is going to take you from this point on. The first song Confined plays a mid tempo thrash montage. And uses a short break as well when the music gets moving with a simplistic bass solo. Overall, the guitars use a concentrated pace with simplistic rhythms. He doesn't really go out on a limb to impress you with his style. He will use basic palm mutes and rotating chords, as well as a technique where he will hit just a strummed chord, and the drums will have a faster beat to offset it. He has two melodic leads in both of the songs as well. They are fitting and stand out to sway the song into another level of change ups. You know when you hear a lead by a certain band, and it sounds like it 'just fits.' Well, at both times the leads fit the moment and don't sound forced. The bass is played decently loud in the mix. Although, it seems like they wanted you to concentrate on it at different times during the songs. Because it will be present one moment, and then flush the next. It could be just stray rhythms at certain points, and then an all too similar rhythm to the guitar at other points. The drummer's pace only extends to a mid-thrash beat, every other hit, in a non-aggressive style. More often than not, he will just use background basic beats to keep the song afloat. The production on his drums is even and non-distracting. Although, nothing really sticks out to make you give a vocalized 'wow.' Except an occasional snare or quick, half tom roll. The vocalist uses a projected gruff roar. He doesn't exactly growl, more like a more distinguished roughening of his voice, yet at a get-your-attention level, and not sung.

Cryogenization comes off to me as an ok mix of acceptable mainstream thrash metal. It has that quality, where you know they don't want to knock too many people out of the loop from listening to something that might be too harsh. I prefer the debut over this, because it took the sound right here and added a more rough edge to it. This release isn't a smooth-operator of metal, yet didn't shy away from using the social norm of what each person might like who comes across this. So, don't go out of your way to listen to this if you haven't heard the band yet. Or if you've heard the music on the debut, don't expect them to sound alike.