Genre/Influences: Cinematic, Experimental.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: One year after the debut-album “Vestigium”, Simeon Popov strikes back with the second opus of his Crypthios project.

Content: The sound universe of the new work remains driven by an explicit Cinematic sound approach. The work is however evolving into a more Experimental sound approach. The tracks have been built up with impressive, numerous, field recordings. You’ll also notice slow, broken beats getting the work more accessible. The music is moving in between darkness and more evasive parts.

+ + + : The album sounds like an imaginary sonic collage. The project remains atypical to the Cryo Chamber roster although the Cinematic style remains connected to what we’re used to discovering on the Swedish label. The slow rhythm is an interesting aspect of this composition. I also noticed a few poignant cuts like the dreamy, but beautiful last cut “Sunrise” which is a cool apotheosis. Another magic cut is the more Experimental “A Place To Live” which is characterized by multiple sound effects.

– – – : The album is enjoyable but sometimes missing a few extra elements to speak about a true successful work.

Conclusion: Crypthios enlarges Cryo Chamber’s sonic horizon by an album which is definitely apart from the ‘classical’ Cinematic productions.

Best songs: “Sunrise”, “A Place To Live”, “I Saw Them As Their Fins Were Splitting The Sky”.

Rate: 8.

Label: www.cryochamberlabel.com /  www.facebook.com/CryoChamber

About Crypthios

Crypthios is the solo project of Simeon Popov, built around a post-apocalyptic concept and signed to Cryo Chamber. The project debuted on the label with the album “Vestigium” on 19 August 2022, an ambient-electronic work with cinematic passages that Side-Line rated 7½. Popov followed it with the third Crypthios album, “Awakening”, released on 1 October 2024.

“Fading Coast” is the second Crypthios album, arriving roughly one year after “Vestigium” and continuing the project’s cinematic, field-recording-driven approach.

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Cinematic, Ambient-Electro.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Crypthios is one of the newest signings to Cryo Chamber. This is a solo-project driven by Simeon Popov and inspired by a ‘post-apocalyptic’-world.

Content: Crypthios built up an Ambient-Electronic universe with explicit Cinematic passages. The composition sounds minimal and sometimes reminds me of the haunting universe of Tor Lundvall. The composition features sequences with background chants and spooky, whispering vocals.

+ + + : “Vestigium” is characterized by an intimate atmosphere, which is mixing haunting sensations and sadness. The production is driven by multiple, sonic details revealing subtle writing. You’ll also notice slow rhythmic parts making the work more accessible. Crypthios sounds a bit unusual for a Cryo Chamber-release, but it enlarges the sonic horizon of the record company.

– – – : Multiple cool and enjoyable songs, but no absolute climax.

Conclusion: Crypthios brings a refreshing production to the Cryo Chamber roster, but also is a promising, new, artist in the wider fields of Ambient-Electro.

Best songs: “Vestigium”, “Bronze Face”, “Forgiveness”.

Rate: 7½.

Label: www.cryochamberlabel.com / www.facebook.com/CryoChamber

Listen to “Vestigium”:

About Crypthios

Crypthios is the dark ambient project of Simeon Popov, based in Sochi, Russia. Popov wrote, produced, performed and mastered “Vestigium” on his own, with cover artwork by Simon Heath.

“Vestigium” was released on 14 June 2022 and was the first Crypthios album issued by Cryo Chamber. Two further albums followed on the same label: “Fading Coast” in 2023 and “Awakening” in 2024. The record reviewed here opens that sequence.

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com