Crÿptic Shift [Thrash/Groove/Leeds, UK]

Hailing from Leeds, Cryptic Shift are a Thrash band bringing Groove elements in to the mix. With influences ranging quite diversly from old timers like Sepultura and Pantera, to modern shredders Revocation and the heavy hitting Lamb Of God. The band originally formed in 2010 as just a bit of fun playing the music they loved. Undergoing a few line-up changes, they finally solidified in 2013 and started on the local gigging circuit. The band currently have one EP, recorded early 2014 titled 'The Old Chapel Demos".

Cryptic Shift - The Old Chapel Demos [2014]

The EP is five tracks long and showcases the bands wide array of influences. With the name coming from the place it was recorded at, Old Chapel Studios. One thing to note is the prevelance of bass in the mix, and how to key is it to the groove side of proceedings. It really drives through and plays alongside the guitar, as opposed to usual modern approach of 'drown it out'. It's nice to be able to hear it come though in a raw and natural way for once. The EP is available to listen to and download on a 'name your price' basis. So be nice and chuck them a few quid if you do decide to download it.


Crÿptic Shift - The Old Chapel Demos [EP] [2014]

01. Mass Gathering
02. Noose Crowned Prophet
03. Slaughtergazm
04. Leviathon Walk
05. In Revolution We Trust




The bands future plans are to be soldiering on recording more material, and also get to playing out of town shows and start touring. And inbetween also getting wasted and having a fun time. Just what it's all about! I'm yet to see the band live, but they'll be playing at this years Thrashoholic Fest, which drummer, Ryan, is a part of putting on with Leeds Metal Scene Promotions. My own band, Viocide, will be playing alongside them, so it's a good a time as ever to see them!

The guys in Crÿptic Shift all seem like a bunch of guys in the band for the music and fun times, just generally doing what they do for the love and enjoyment of it. And that's just about the best reason for it. If you like what you hear, as ever be sure to check out the links below and support the band. It's what these bios and spotlights are all about!

[L-R] Rob Castle (Vocals), Oli Griffiths (Bass), Ryan Shepherson (Drums), Xander Bradley (Guitar).

Crÿptic Shift on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crypticshift
The Old Chapel Demo: https://cryptic-shift.bandcamp.com
MAS Records: http://mightyatomsmasher.com/
Napalm Promotions facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NapalmPromotions

Driven Apart - Shadow Built [EP] [2013]

Driven Apart - Shadow Built [EP] [2014]

Driven Apart is the brain child of lead guitarist and main songwriter, Leigh Davies. Existing in various forms for many years, the band once again took presidence in early 2013 with Leigh re-building the bands line-up, along with drummer Chris O'Rourke. Work began on the EP along with a full line-up, and was recorded and self-released in late 2013. Complimented by a number of dates showcasing tracks on the EP.

Kicking straight in with the energetic and rythmic offering of 'Let Them Howl', the EP blasts in to action straight from the off, and builds progressively throughout. A great driving track with a very catchy chorus section that makes great use of the three guitarist line-up Driven Apart have. The power in the delivery is just phenomenal, with the instrumental side giving a solid back bone to the strength in vocalist Mike Coyles voice. The final build up to the end of the song completed with masterful leads from Leigh, make the structure incredibly interesting, and can keep you hooked throughout.

Second track 'Shadow Built' introduces a lot of the progressive side of the band, and builds around the central riff throughout, developing it in great ways to keep the song forever moving forward. The catch of the chorus being present once again, but without the verses being so full on as in 'Let Them Howl'. Instead allowing the song to move forward at a slower and steadier rate.

Bringing the EP to a close is the bands epic 'Blood Of Aesop' coming in at a whopping ten minutes long. The song goes from the softest of acoustic undertakings, to the bands charecteristic use of melodic riffing and lead guitar use. Building tempo to no end throughout, the song demonstrates just about all elements of Driven Aparts versatility and song writing skills. Matching the surreal fabled legends of Aesop himself.

My only criticisms of the EP as a whole are the general production. Specifically on drums with the sound being a little thin and lacking in power, which is prevalant in the opening to 'Let Them Howl', with the toms sounding a little bit plastic-like and non organic. The production to some end lets down an otherwise perfect execution by Chris on drums. The only other critique being that the length of the songs can put off more 'casual listeners' of Metal with their progressive build. Although again it's a matter of taste, and the structures have more than enough strength to keep fans listening throughout the entire EP.

Overall the EP is a great show of musical finesse and talent. With it having a real feel of long time development and care to perfect the songs and make them just perfect. It certainly pays off when it all comes together so fluidly and well. A definite recomendation for anyone into Metal of any sort of genre, and specifically those who love it with a progressive and melodic twist.

Album art by Laimamori.

[L-R] Rob Duerden (Bass), Mike Coyle (Vocals), Danny Hindley (Guitar),
Chris O'Rourke (Drums), Adam Luckman (Guitar), Leigh Davies (Guitar),

Driven Aparts website: http://www.drivenapart.com
Driven Apart on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drivenapartband
Laimamori on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laima.mori
Napalm Promotions on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NapalmPromotions

Repulsive Vision [Death Metal/Cumbria, UK]

From the darkest reaches of Ulverston, Cumbria comes the unmistakably heavy sound of Repulsive Vision, bringing a slice of Old School Death Metal to the otherwise sleepy county. The bands main influences stretch from the many branches of Death Metal history, including Floridas famed scene with bands such as Morbid Angel, Obituary and Death. Sweedish legends Entombed and At The Gates. And influences a little closer to home with bands like Carcass and Napalm Death. The band are currently in the process of producing their first EP 'Premature Burial', which is due to be out soon.

Formed in the December of 2010 as the result of an influx of ideas by main Songwriter Matt Davidson, Repulsive Vision grew from the music he wrote that didn't quite fit into his other projects at the time (The Vile Bodies, Ensnared). Spending many months riding solo bringing together these ideas and developing them into the bands first songs, Matt soon began recruiting members for what has become to be known Replusive Vision. After solidifying their line up the band have continued practice and have kept busy playing many gigs, with slots supporting Destroyer 666, Hecate Enthroned and Avenger.

Repulsive Visions sound is unmistakably gutteral, forged through the many years of Death Metals development. Taking inspiration from the entire spectrum has allowed the band to keep songs varied and interesting throughout. An example of this is the difference in sound from the more Old School Florida Death Metal inspired 'Bathroom Surgery'. Compared to 'Credophillic' which has more hints of later Swedish offerings, most notably later era At the Gates. Each track allows it's influence to bleed through, but without letting it devour the song and just become a clone of the afformentioned bands.

Subject matter of the band are also well thought out, and more focused on avoiding the typical blood and gore that oversaturates the genre. Instead substituting it for political, philosophical andsocial ideals. Featuring songs on censorship, video nasties and scapegoats. Making for a new and fresh element to their overall sound.

Repulsive Vision - Nematocyst and HSHK live at W43, Newcastle [07/12/2012]

Be sure to catch one of Repulsive Visions shows if they're in the vacinity. These guys are keeping themselves busy until September, so there's plenty of gigs to choose from. Cities they'll be hitting include; Manchester, Barrow In Furnes, Bridlington, Bishop Auchland and Edinburgh.

Repulsive Visions upcoming shows

[L-R] Matt Davidson (Guitar), Gary Young (Drums), Mark Pardy (Vocals), Alex Jones (Bass).
Photo credit: Repulsive Vision.

Repulsive Vision on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RepulsiveVision
Premature Burial demos: https://www.facebook.com/RepulsiveVision/app_178091127385
Napalm Promotions on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NapalmPromotions