Cryptic Tales formed in 1989 and they released a demo, an EP and two full length albums by 1996. Their style was curious mixture of death metal and doom metal. After some years, the band disbanded. ***horror organ music playing*** Only to return seven years later... And how!? Well, sounding like synth-infested black metal ***!!! shock !!! horror!!!***, that started its fast ascent during the latter half of 1990s, and is still flying high. the name sounds more like comic death metal, in my humble opinion.

For its own good, 'VII Dogmata of Mercy' sounds a lot like Old Man's Child's 'Revelation 666 - The Curse of Damnation' (2000), Dimmu Borgir's 'Enthrone Darkness Triumphant' (1997) and Cradle Of Filth's 'Dusk... and Her Embrace' (1996). This album has just so many familiar elements on it. The song writing is foreseeable and totally safe, and all the tricks have been heard countless times before. It tries to be dramatic, brutal and evil, but at the same time seducing. It simply falls somewhere in between of all, not really flashing up in any of these areas. Symphonic keyboard work with angel choirs and piano parts, evil riffage with touches of extreme metal styles, songs that are way too long and inevitably start to drag way before they end, and slightly naughty lyrics. Oh, and yes, horror organs! It feels like it is readily cut and dried for easy consumption. There are loads of lyrics, but the vocals are quite unvarying, if okay, black metal grumble.

There is no doubt, that these guys can play well. The production is rather rich, but at times a bit too rich, because it might get somewhat bloated at times. The band should have thought for a second time about putting those photos on the covers, though. Blame the photographer..?! And they had bought all that leather goth gear... The cover artwork predicts the musical content, so typical it is. Naked angel girl, paradise's snake, Satan...

If you are an avid fan of synth-infested black metal, that tries to gather all gothic babes who want to hang out with band guys and don't care about the music itself, be welcome to try this. I've lost my interest in this kind of music already since early 21st century. Why? Simply, because Cryptic Tales do the original sin: This scores zero in innovation. I admit that this is far from the worst of its kind, so this could indeed serve those who like the style.

Rating: 4+ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
09/02/2009 19:24