Cryptomnesia - Primordial Oddity (2010)

Cryptomnesia

Pronunciation: krip-ˌtäm-ˈnē-zhə

Function: noun: the appearance in consciousness of memory images which are not recognized as such but which appear as original creations.

Now that I got that bit of confusion out of the way, my next pick of the many metal-based acts that I am going to be writing about, is the highly unique and diverse Progressive/Technical/Death/Instrumental/Epic band Cryptomnesia. Its not really a "band" as such, but just the project of one Jared Johnston, from Oregon, US. It may be a one-man project (for now), but believe me it sounds nothing like that!

The thing with most instrumental albums is that they have a certain theme and a feel they try to convey through the work in the album. Cryptomnesia's Primordial Oddity is no different, and it achieves this with utmost brilliance! The theme is essentially a Tolkienesque tale of an ancient race, depicting their rise and fall. Well, atleast thats what it feels like, with song titles like "Slaughtering The Innocent, They Ride", "Live Like A God, Die Like A God", "The Final Battle, The Machines Are Back", the whole album is almost like an opera, with the whole stage set up in your own mind.

If the above description confused you, its probably because its almost impossible to put it in words. The album just has to be heard, from start to finish, many times over, to understand and comprehend it properly and thoroughly. And the fact that it sounds brilliant makes you want to listen to it over and over anyway. There are many subtle elements in this epic piece of work that, it needs your complete, undivided attention to discover each one. Its (almost) like a good book or a movie that throws up something new every time you read/watch it.

Coming to the actual music, its a mixture of insane guitar work, thundering drums, rumbling bass, and an out-worldly synth section. I really don't know where to start. Jared is either an amazing musician and composer, or hes got a multiple personalities with each one doing its own thing in the album . No offense, but it just doesn't feel that this whole album could be the work of just one man. Each element, be it the guitars, or the drums, the bass, and the synth are so perfect, both musically and technically, that anyone would think there was a different guy behind each one. Yet, it comes together so well, with no single lapse in any of them.

Since I have to start somewhere, I might as well start off with the guitars. The guitar work is probably one of the best I've ever heard by far. The riffs are a mixture of fast faced tremolo picked sections, ultra-brutal and odd-timed breakdowns accomplished with amazing technicality. Add to that plenty of mind warping guitar solos, that are melodic and chaotic at the same time, and some amazingly beautiful clean sections thrown in. But probably, the best part about them is that they manage to sound epic, and stick to and convey that all important "theme" through out the entire album. In other words, theres no-nonsense about them. Coming to the bass, its another monster by itself. Deep, powerful and omni-present, it never takes away the attention from the guitars and drums while managing to be unique and standing out on its own. It has its own moments in tracks like "The Hammer Falls, Impending Doom" and "...For It Devours The Weak", where it goes off and carves its own "story" and comes back. And "absolutely insane" is the only words I have for the drums! I can't tell if they are programmed or actually played, but just the sheer technicality and the composition makes them unbelievably amazing. They are not present just for the sake of it but add their own bit to overall feel of the album.

If all that isn't enough, the synth and the orchestral arrangements interspersed throughout the album are another element that adds to the "epicness" of the album. Just listen to the opener, "The Grand Awakening", which is entirely devoid of guitars and drums. It sounds just like that, a grand awakening. The synth is just beautiful, at times intense, while also providing some "atmospheric" parts to the album. And also, worth noting is the great production on the entire album, handled by Jared himself again. Everything is heard crystal clear, and the guitar, bass and drum tones are exceptional and unique.

I could go on writing about this piece of art all day, but its an experience better understood by listening to it yourself. Mind you, its not your everyday "Operatic" or a "Melodic death" album you'd want to listen when you want to relax or have other things to do. If you ever have the patience, the time and the need to keep yourself engrossed with something vastly interesting and deep, I'd highly recommend this. Although it might take a little getting used to the whole pace and feel of it, stick with it and try to listen to the whole album at one go. I am sure its worth the time and attention it commands from you.

Myspace.

Download it.

And Jared himself has actually put up the album, in its entirety, for download, for free! :-) At this location. Ain't he just awesome.

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