Sceptocrypt - The Wards Outside

Sceptocrypt are a surprise out of nowhere- out of the past- for 2024. Originally from Malta (and now residing in the U.K. it seems), this former five piece has been dormant since the late 90s with only a few demos and 1 full length under their belt and a live album in 2021 that was broken into ‘4 acts’ almost like a play, until most recently. New logo, new music, new life! While fans are still awaiting that groundbreaking comeback full length, there are a few new singles to present to keep fans interested. For those who have never heard them before, they perform a sort of Progressive Death Metal style in the vein of Death that is a little all over the place, but rich with potential. While there are only 2 tracks to listen to here, both are very different and show that Sceptocrypt are still sticking to their roots and trying to head in a new direction at the same time.

When looking back to Sceptocrypy’s demos work like their debut “Wild Code of Reverie” had a ripe almost Death Doom sound to it mixed with the Old School Death Metal approach and touches of Technical Death Metal as well. It featured lengthy tracks that included deep growls, ratatat drumming, fuzzy, harsh riffs, and overall an approach that was a bit more than the average Deicide or Cannibal Morbid Angel album that defined Death Metal during the 90s (yet one can still hear a bit of them in there!). The two tracks presented in their current demo expand on that, but in a different way. Hearing ‘The Unwanted Requiem’ is a very different direction for the band. Instrumental only and almost mostly acoustic it is very somber with a lot of Gothic Metal elements with swirling winds and haunting choirs before things change for a jarring, almost prog laden bit from the guitars. If Cradle of Filth and more recent Xasthur decided to try something together, they would probably come up with this. But, despite being 7 minutes, it is engaging and a fun guitar instrumental with the backing vocals making things all the more haunting. Then there is the meat and potatoes of the Death Metal elements with ‘The Wards Outside.’ Delivering a smattering of riffs that certainly show Death’s influence, the guitars are a little less fuzzy compared to the past and like the track before, the music does tend to be a little all over the place. Think almost Tallah crazy, but more brutal. The vocals are maddening and exciting- a little less guttural than before- as they hiss, snarl, and gleefully deliver 11 minutes of an insane asylum of music. While there are some soft acoustic moments here, this track is nowhere near as peaceful as the previous one. It ends on a bit of a whisper but that just leaves listeners wanting more.

Some might feel that Sceptocrypt got a little less brutal with age, but one could also say they got more interesting. While 2 tracks is hard to judge to give a full consensus of the band’s current state, it is a glimpse into where they are headed, and it sounds like fun. This album should be approached in the way one would listen to an Arcturus album or even Wound Collector- don’t expect a serious headbanger all the way through but expect a few surprises. The diversity of the two tracks is polarizing, but a testament to the Avant-Garde/ Progressive Death Metal route it seems like these guys are going. Obviously those who like the heavier will enjoy the 2nd track more and treat the first one like a long atmospheric introduction. Expect raw yet tasteful riffs and ear grabbing vocals along tasteful drumming, but also note this is a demo so quality is expected to be rough. With a modern remixing and remastering and more tracks, Sceptocrypt could deliver a final product when the time is ready full of exciting Death Metal that could make them the next Opeth fans have always wanted.

3.5 / 5 STARS