A review by Gioia –
Six years since their last release, following 2020’s Palingenesis, Embodiment officially return with their new EP: Cryptomorph.
The opening track, “Jeopardy in Idolatry”, which I previously reviewed, sets the tone with a strong mix of groove, melody and aggression. The riffs are sharp, the drums keep the pressure high, and the vocals cut through with force. Lyrically, the song dives into hidden truths, false idols and corruption beneath the surface, bringing in a sense of darkness and tension.

The second song, “Resonance Cascade”, comes in with an extremely fast intro, instantly raising the intensity. It quickly flows into crushing double pedal drums, with tight rhythm changes and sharp guitar work keeping the track constantly moving. The cleaner vocal sections bring a darker, melancholic atmosphere that blends naturally with the heavier parts, creating a strong balance between emotion, speed and heaviness.

The second single, “Beneath The Skin”, gives the EP one of its strongest and most direct moments. While some parts may feel a little familiar within the genre, it carries enough personality and force to stand strongly on its own. The song creates a dark, almost esoteric atmosphere, bringing a sense of mystic energy. The vocal performance deserves special mention, with an impressive range of techniques and a controlled delivery that adds a lot of character to the song, making it a solid and effective choice as a single.

The final track, “As They Spread Their Infection”, closes with a darker and more oppressive feeling. It connects strongly with the record’s themes of manipulation, corruption and resistance, but does so through a sound that feels heavy, tense and almost suffocating. The middle section stands out with a slower, intoxicating riff that gives the track a different kind of weight. Once again, the vocal techniques are an highlight and show how much control and variety the band bring to their sound. The slow breakdown is also remarkable, before the song moves into a technical guitar riff worthy of any big stage.

What makes Cryptomorph stand out is the way Embodiment balance speed, heaviness, melody and technicality, creating something that feels intense but still well controlled. The EP feels like a clear statement from a band stepping into a new phase with confidence, and if this is the direction Embodiment are taking, there is definitely a lot to look forward to.

8.5/10

Follow Embodiment here – https://www.instagram.com/embodimentofficial?igsh=NmRjY2l2ZHg3aXB4

Listen here – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5uc3PVv8abI6SuO9jQ7ob4?si=2BHiKb46R_-NN_ypJXGoqQ&utm_source=copy-link