Review by Jack on June 25, 2002.

It is good to see a relatively unknown label in DVS Records really starting to make a name for themselves through the progressive fields of metal. Add this impressive debut from Sonic Debris alongside Wolverine and Ashes to Ashes, and DVS Records are compiling an impressive list of extremely competent acts.

Sonic Debris, themselves are influenced by some pretty big names: Faith No More, Dream Theatre, King Crimson, and perhaps a few of the more mellow moments from Smashing Pumpkins. Speaking of which, vocalist Rune Sorheim is clearly influenced by the aforementioned Smashing Pumpkins, in terms of renowned vocals by Billy Corgan.

However, do not be too hasty in judging this band to sound like another carbon copy of Faith No More, Dream Theatre and Smashing Pumpkins, because Sonic Debris have shown with “Velvet Thorns”, that they are way too capable to be just another shadow in the progressive scene.

“Velvet Thorns” makes the transition from harder to melodic to mellow sequences efficiently, but suffers from being a little contrived and maybe too wishy-washy. The members of Sonic Debris all play their instruments well, their song structures are solid, but unfortunately is hard to judge what they were trying to achieve with “Velvet Thorns”, seemingly there are too many musical directions incorporated at once. These guys are good musicians but malign their debut by trying to do much, maybe it was the fact that Sonic Debris have gone 5 years and 3 demos before releasing an actual album and “Velvet Thorns”, was an attempt to include all their signatures in one huge triumphant effort.

My advice to Sonic Debris is to allow the next album to have a more room to breathe and the results may turn into something astounding. That being said, “Velvet Thorns”, despite my harsh criticism is a solid progressive album and well worth a few listens to absorb the interesting directions that Sonic Debris display.

Bottom Line: Even if all the big guns were seemingly fired at once on “Velvet Thorns”, Sonic Debris are a band hard to deny. Possessing some uncanny ability at progressive art and a talent for songwriting, Sonic Debris may be worth looking out for in the future.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 5
Production: 8
Originality: 7
Overall: 6

Rating: 7 out of 10

Review by Felix on June 27, 2024.

Kryptamok is one of the countless Finnish one man projects – and it is among the better or even the best ones. This is not only my opinion, otherwise the first and only demo would not have been re-released on vinyl and CD. Its title is programmatic and the typical artwork is attractive, so what about the music? Well, “Profaani” proves that Hex Inferi, the man behind Kryptamok, had a clear vision of his preferred style right from the beginning. The demo paved the way for the following two full-lengths. If you like “Verisaarna” and / or “Kataklysmi”, it is almost impossible to resist the charm of “Profaani”.

During the 20 minutes of this demo, Hex Inferi does not seek salvation in innovation. He mixes the tried and tested components of the genre and he does this in a very good way. It may not sound very interesting when I say that the songs hold stormy and atmospheric parts, they vary the tempo and their patterns offer enough breaks and changes – which do not hurt the flow of the tracks, fortunately. But that’s what it is and it works very well. “Profaani” is free from ingredients of other styles (good), but not free from talent (better) and completely Finnish (best). Naturally it does not unhinge the black metal world, do not forget that we are speaking about a demo. But it reflects a surprising maturity and an authentic spirit. I know regular releases of quite famous bands with worse features.

The production does not uncover that “Profaani” was born as a demo. Its full and dense sound achieves a professional level with great ease. Guitars and drums, the raw voice and the sporadic keyboards, everything is set in the right light. From this follows that we can enjoy the dismal yet vehement melodies all the more. In their best moments they create the magical aura of black metal, a mood that cannot be find in any other style. No doubt, Mister Hex Inferi enriched the scene already with his first sign of life – and therefore I hope he returns in 2024 with a new full-length.

Rating: 7.8 out of 10