Second wave black metallers Cryogenic present their 2nd album. I do not know their debut album 'Celephais' (1999), but 'Parsifal 21' is something very different than this second wave black metal thing.

Opening with an industrial, soundtrack-esque 'Intro', 'Cryogenic' launches into 13 seconds of crispy death metal opening blast, after which comes a few seconds of funky guitar playing, then it all mutates into dark metal. Varying? Yes, but not as varying as during the album's first minute. Black/death influenced dark metal is Cryogenic's basis, above which they've built 'Parsifal 21'. The soundscape is not very inviting, since it brings cold, eerie and dangerous cityscape into my mind. There is no room for human feelings, since mankind has been swept away by something. Guitars remind me of Dimmu Borgir, only sounding sharper and thinner. Guitarists concentrate on riffing, offering occasional leads. Synths are used to create the biggest portion of 'Parsifal 21's melody; symphonic arrangements, piano, Hammond, industrial soundscapes and futuristic sounds (these are my favourites) are not original at all but on occasion. Sometimes calmer acoustic and prog parts bring some change into the coldness, but never for a long time. Then it's back to avantgardish black/dark metal again...

The sound is cold, because of big echo. Rhythm section bring in the heaviness while other instruments sound somewhat thin. Blast beat parts do not sound aggressive at all, but mid-paced parts are definitely heavier. The music is well performed and vocals are varying from black shrieking to sung bits to spoken words. Sadly, it is all in German. It is impossible for me to follow the story (I strongly believe there is one!) and it surely takes something away. Cover art is simply ugly, possibly worst ever I've seen!

'Parsifal 21' isn't truly bad, but its inhuman feel and German language don't appeal to me at all. Cryogenic haven't created original music, but here's bits from various things. 'Verzweiflung' is the best song on offer in its mutating process, but it doesn't help much in this emotionless environment.

Rating: 3+ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
11/12/2003 22:32