Dutch futuristic metal outfit Cryptosis are back with Celestial Death, their sophomore album, released on March 7th, 2025, via Century Media Records. Following 2021’s Bionic Swarm and their 2023 EP The Silent Call, the band dives even deeper into dystopian soundscapes. Metal Insider caught up with Cryptosis to discuss their latest offering.
What was the recording process like recording Celestial Death?
First of all, thanks for having us on Metal Insider! Writing and recording “Celestial Death” was an intense but incredibly rewarding experience. We gave ourselves more time and space than with our debut album, which allowed us to experiment further with sound design and atmosphere.
It all began during the songwriting process. We practically recorded every idea that came to mind and put the files into a massive database. After a year or so, we selected the best ideas to continue working on and turn them into full songs. Some were just a single guitar riff, while others were nearly complete musical sections with drums, bass, guitars, and even vocal ideas. For each idea we worked to find the right energy to shape it into a song. We outlined the entire album to ensure that it is a balanced album. We analysed the kinds of songs we already had and identified what was missing. We carefully examined tempos, keys, and the types of riffs and melodies we were using, steering the album toward a diverse but cohesive sound. Some tracks had as many as 25 versions, with changes to verses, bridges, or choruses, while others only needed 5 updates to get them right. All in all, the whole songwriting process took about 3 years.
We then entered the studio and fine tuned the last bits and pieces during the recordings. The sessions were intense, immersive, and every detail was carefully sculpted to reflect the themes of the record. We wanted the production to match the scale of the story we were telling.
The new record moves in a darker atmospheric direction, what inspired this shift?
The shift actually happened very naturally. As soon as we started writing, the ideas that came out were noticeably more melodic, symphonic, and darker compared to what we were creating during the “Bionic Swarm” writing process. When we started writing this album we were still experiencing the COVID pandemic and its effects. That definitely seeped into the music. We made a conscious decision to ease off the gas a little when it came to the thrash elements and high tempos, and instead focused more on atmosphere and groove. It felt like the right thing to do.
How do the lyrics connect present-day horrors mixed with a dystopian-like future?
With the rise of technological advancements like AI, the futuristic concepts we explore in our music are turning into reality. We’ve entered a new world that is still in the process of defining itself, and that brings both excitement and concern. On one hand, AI opens up new creative possibilities. Whether it’s generating sounds that were once unimaginable or pushing the boundaries. But on the other hand, there’s a growing fear of losing human authenticity. Music is an emotional and personal expression, and while AI can mimic patterns, it lacks the human experience behind those feelings.
For us, these advancements align closely with the themes of “Celestial Death”. A world where humanity and technology are intertwined, but identity risks being lost in the process. We’re fascinated by this tension and want our music to reflect that struggle. At the end of the day, we believe that no machine can replace the raw passion and chaos that comes from being human. But maybe the definition of ‘human’ will be different 10 or 20 years from now. The future will tell.
Which song was the most challenging to write?
That’s a tough question. Honestly, the entire album was a challenge to write because we had so many strong ideas that we wanted to include. In fact, we still have a lot of unused material left over that could easily evolve into songs for the next album.
During the writing process, some songs went through multiple versions. Some even had more than 20. Based on that, ‘In Between Realities’ was the track with the highest number of revisions, so we’d say that one was the most difficult to complete. ‘Ascending’ would be a close second. Both songs are packed with details and complex progressive elements, which made them very demanding to write.
What was the creative process for the video “Ascending?”
This song explores the themes of transformation, transcendence, and the interplay of identity in a digital or metaphysical realm. The lyrics paint a picture of someone abandoning their human limits and identity for a higher, infinite existence, struggling with both liberation and the loss of self. The videoclip tells the story of a person caught between two worlds. The old and the new, the natural and the digital. Nature represents the fading, familiar world, while the urban landscape symbolizes a digital, abstract future. As the character moves between these contrasting environments, the visuals explore their inner transformation and the tension between holding on to a human identity and dissolving into something transcendent and boundless.
Do you see Cryptosis continuing in this cinematic direction for future?
Definitely! This album opened a door for us creatively. The cinematic direction gives us more room to tell the stories we want to tell. Not just lyrically, but through soundscapes, visuals, and atmosphere. We’ve always been drawn to concept-driven work, and now we feel like we’ve found the right tools to express those visions fully.
What do you hope fans take away from Celestial Death after listening?
In a landscape that’s often saturated, we aim to bring a fresh perspective (both musically and thematically). We want fans to feel like they’ve experienced something different and hopefully give them a lasting impression. That we managed to offer a breath of fresh air in the metal world, while still staying heavy. This is what we hope we achieved and what we set out to do.
Is there anything else you want to say or add about the new album?
Celestial Death is more than just our second album. It’s the true beginning of who we are as a band. If you like black, death, thrash, prog or symphonic metal make sure to listen to our new album. It’s available for free on all the popular streaming services and check our website/social media to see if we’re coming to a place near you!
Many thanks again for having us!
Tour Dates
Onslaught & Cryptosis – Power From Hell 40th Anniversary Tour 2025
05/29 Oldenburg (Germany) @ MTS
05/31 Essen (Germany) @ Turock
06/01 Diest (Belgium) @ Hell
06/03 Dijon (France) @ La Vapeur
06/04 Bergamo (Italy) @ Druso
06/05 Bologna (Italy) @ Alchemica
06/06 Vienna (Austria) @ Escape
06/08 Salzburg (Austria) @ Rockhouse
06/10 Stuttgart (Germany) @ Der Schwarze Keiler
06/11 Aschaffenburg (Germany) @ Coloss-Saal
06/12 Leipzig (Germany) @ Hellraiser
06/14 Selb (Germany) @ Rockclub Nordbayern
Cryptosis Live 2025
05/10 Eibergen (NL) @ Achterhoeks Metalfest
05/11 Apeldoorn (NL) @ Gigant
05/30 Alkmaar (NL) @ Herrie Festival
06/07 Steyr (Austria) @ Röda
09/06 Dronten (NL) @ Dronten MetalFest
10/18 Monterrey (Mexico) @ Cacique Metal Fest
11/12 Hamburg (Germany) @ Logo
11/13 Aabenraa (Denmark) @ Sønderjyllandshallen
Feature Image Photo Credit: Maaike Ronhaar
