Prehistoria - Cryptic Halo

Prehistoria is an Indiana based metal band who formed in 2020. Their latest release, “Cryptic Halo,” is their full-length debut; they also release an EP in 2022. 

This album is one of the best surprises of the year for me so far. I wasn’t familiar with them beforehand so I was pleasantly shocked when I dived into this beastly album and discovered a whole new world.  

It’s a dynamic release with a lot of variety, and blending of several styles. Although the base of the band’s sound is more on the traditional side of heavy metal, elements of power, thrash, and even extreme metal can be found within the album’s 9 song, 45 minute runtime.

But all the dynamics in the world won’t help a band if they can’t write a song. Yeah, no problems here! Each song is engaging and full of so many great fucking moments. On top of all that, it’s catchy as hell with songs having MASSIVE choruses. 

As you can imagine, there is a lot going on within this album but the production/mix is more than capable of capturing every detail. Of course, that doesn’t mean your ears will do the same so multiple playthroughs will be required but the songs are so damn good that you won’t care. 

Overall, the band tackles many different things but their strength lies in the fact that in each song they don’t try to overdo it. They are a lot of things but they aren’t everything in every song at once. 

“Rise,” for example is a fast paced, jaunty, heavy metal song with an epic, power metal inspired chorus. Everything about this song will be stuck in your head for days, from the riffs, to the leads, and the powerful vocals. It honestly kind of reminds me of Blind Guardian in a way but they definitely have their own sound. The drums are insane and, at times, add a layer of extreme metal to the song.

“Salvation Denied,” sees the band trying their hand at a more thrash/speed metal oriented approach—and straight up nailing it. The song is over five minutes but it feels half that length, with the way it blisters through with searing, biting riffs and furious drums. The vocals are fantastic—jesus h christ, this guy can sing. I love the guitar solos too, especially on this song because they are blistering yet interesting enough in their own right.

“Everlasting Legacy,” begins in a traditional way with slick riffs and a solo before kicking up the tempo to hurricane standards–all the way remaining very melodic, maybe the most melodic song on the album. The stanzas blow through with galloping riffs and catchy vocal rhythms but the chorus is pure power metal cheese—in a good way! Bring it on! There is a rising action to the song…it just keeps going and going, getting better and better along the way. 

“Crown of the Resolute,” is one of my favorites on the album, especially the intro with the bass slapping its way to the band entering a melodic passage This song had me air guitaring and lip singing the songs around the room. I don’t see how you can listen to a song like this and NOT be pumped the fuck up. The stanzas are rousing and reckless but the chorus shines high, reaching for the stars and pulling down pure magic.  

The final song, "Dreamchaser" is the longest at seven minutes and ends the album as a total banger. Galloping rhythms, catchy melodies, strong drums, and soaring vocals…what more do you need in an ending song? Once again, the chorus is ridiculously great.

I’m very serious when I say Prehistoria’s “Cryptic Halo,” is one of the best power/heavy metal albums I’ve heard in a LONG TIME. Get this now. 

Rating: Excellent