Dutch prog-metallers Textures release their long awaited sixth record via Kscope. Genotype is the bands first release since 2016’s Phenotype.

TEXTURES

It feels like Genotype is a huge deal in the prog-metal sphere. Having released five albums over their 25 year career, Textures are back after a multi-year hiatus.

A sharp intake of breath opens the album on Void before At The Edge Of Winter sets off the record in grand fashion. Sharp synth stabs eventually build into a brilliantly heavy bout of chunky guitars and drums. The pace is urgent and you can feel the energy of the record pulse. Daniël de Jongh delivers impassioned vocals as the song moves along. Further, Textures enlist the services of fellow Dutch singer, and symphonic metal royalty, Charlotte Wessels. She brings a whole other dimension to the song which elevates it massively. It’s an incredibly strong start.

A theme of Genotype is the brilliant production. Forrester Savell mixes the eight tracks and allows all members of the band to shine throughout. The quality on offer shines throughout the album, and each repeated listen offers a new layer of discovery.

MEASURING THE HEAVENS

Measuring The Heavens has de Jongh soaring once more on vocals, but he adds some brutally harsh lyrics for extra hues. The keys and synths help create a wonderful backdrop to the crushing guitars. A chugging breakdown builds intensity further as the sextet revel in their new found form.

Stef Broks (drums) and Remko Tielemans (bass) take centre stage on Nautical Dusk. It has a very catchy melodic synth hook which gives the song a very anthemic feel before the music takes a sinister turn. The rhythms are technical and the brutality looks a lot towards Meshuggah. The abrupt ending gives a moments respite before one of the albums real centrepieces, Vanishing Twin. Again, the drums are prominent as they roll like a battering ram throughout. In the closing stages, the guitars of Bart Hennephof and Joe Tal mesh with Tielemans bass in a great show of power.

It’s the guitars that shine on Closer To The Unknown as the pulsing mid section is sure to be a hit on the live circuit. The nifty solo work illuminates the track and just adds to the growing greatness that is Genotype.

A WELCOME RETURN

Uri Dijk’s keys adorn the introduction of A Seat For The Like Minded. The repetitive nature of the motif is punctuated by more polyrhythmic work on the drums. Brutality once again prevails with some hefty breakdowns and real punch the air moments. Those who dig the more synthesised moments will bask in the glory of the lead line towards the end of the song. It underpins the whole song.

To close out, Walls Of The Soul is one last hurrah for the band each with another moment to shine. Each band member is clearly incredibly talented and when they come together, you can tell that Textures are a cut above. Daniël de Jongh strains every sinew in his vocal delivery in what is a real TesseracT moment, to close out the album.

Genotype is a welcome return from Textures. They are a class act that need to be around for all to enjoy. Genotype is inspired; you can tell that a few years away has stoked the creative soul and the fruits of their labour are clear.

If you are seeing Jinjer on tour this year in the UK, be sure to get down early to catch Textures in support.

Textures: Website

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