Review Summary: A mind bending blend of styles that truly works.
Crystal Lake is a standout band in the modern metalcore scene, and "Helix" is undoubtedly their finest work to date. Just when it felt like metalcore was hitting a plateau, this band swoops in and revitalizes the genre. "Helix" is a mind-bending fusion of hardcore, metalcore, deathcore, nu metalcore, and even some ambient sounds. The production quality is top-notch, making everything sound absolutely phenomenal. The overall atmosphere is grand and epic—so much so that it could easily serve as the soundtrack for a blockbuster movie; it's that impressive. The delicate plucking of guitars in a track like "Apollo" is stunningly beautiful, evoking a sense of tranquility, like a monk in a moment of pure peace. Then there's "Agony," where the guitar riffs exude raw power, reminiscent of a warrior charging into battle, ready to fight for freedom.
Each track on "Helix" brings something fresh, with "Aeon" being a total barnburner, blending deathcore and hardcore elements seamlessly. Crystal Lake masterfully weaves hardcore into their sound, and whenever they do, it has an infectious bounce that's impossible not to groove to—just listen to the chorus of "Aeon" for proof. "Lost in Forever" leans into a more melodic hardcore style and stands out as one of the best in that subgenre. Often, melodic hardcore can come off as whiny, but here, the delivery is spot on. This is likely thanks to vocalist Ryo Kino***a, who uses his clean fry vocals sparingly but effectively. In the chorus, the focus remains on Ryo's lower register, while those clean fry vocals add a touch of melody, enhancing the overall sound. Ryo deserves major props for his incredible performance throughout "Helix." His vocals are packed with raw emotion, making it super easy to get lost in his delivery.
"Apollo" is definitely the highlight here; it's absolutely stunning. It brings together everything that makes "Helix" so fantastic. The deathcore breakdown hits hard, with Ryo passionately screaming "open the sky," while those gorgeous guitars add a majestic feel. It's a real showstopper. The short rap part of the song is actually really awesome, too. It might catch you off guard initially, but Ryo's little verse is one of the catchiest bits on the whole album. Yeah, the lyrics can be a bit cheesy, like when he says, "tears from the sky, I'm the rain maker," but honestly, it doesn't even matter. By that time, you're totally into the song, and it acts as a perfect chill moment to take a breather. Another standout moment is in "Aeon" once again, featuring one of the most impactful breakdowns in contemporary metalcore, as well as deathcore for that matter. This segment plays with silence, creating a calm atmosphere while delivering powerful low-tuned guitar chugs and fast bass drum kicks. You can really hear a modern band like Disembodied Tyrant channeling that style; it sounds huge, cinematic, and totally captivating.
"Hail to the Fire" is another standout, showcasing an awesome nu metal edge. Just like the rest of the genre-blending tracks on the album, it flows perfectly. The chorus brings back the best of classic nu metal, complete with those Disturbed-style adlibs. Plus, the metalcore elements really take it up a notch. The album shines with its well-structured songs. Even with all the complexity, it never feels too much; there's always a softer moment around the bend to help you catch your breath. This album is a whole different level of metalcore; there's really nothing else out there like it. The tones, the production, the stunning atmosphere—these are the things that set this band apart.
