Angelcrypt’s ‘Dawn of the Emperor’: A Milestone in Melodic Death Metal
- Noel Mifsud
- Apr 7
- 4 min read
Melodic death metal outfit Angelcrypt unleashed their second full-length album, Dawn of the Emperor, on June 12, 2020, through German label Boersma Records. Marking five years since its release, this record has become a defining moment in the band’s career, showcasing their evolution and cementing their place in the metal scene.
The Album: ‘Dawn of the Emperor’
As a follow-up to their 2016 debut We Are The Dead, Dawn of the Emperor solidifies Angelcrypt’s traditional yet forceful approach to melodic death metal. With influences from the Gothenburg sound and elements of blackened metal, the album delivers an intense listening experience. The band’s lineup at the time of this release featured Jean Cutajar on bass, Paul Formosa on drums, Peter Grech on rhythm guitar, Shawn Mizzi on lead guitar, and Joseph Grech on vocals.
True to Angelcrypt’s signature style, the album explores historical themes, particularly pivotal events that have shaped the modern world.
The event explored on this album is the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir presumptive to the Austro-Hungarian throne, and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, on June 28, 1914. While traveling in a motorcade through Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, they were fatally shot by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb member of the nationalist group seeking South Slav independence from Austro-Hungarian rule. This assassination set off a chain of events leading to the outbreak of World War I. In response to the assassination, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914, initiating a series of alliances and conflicts that escalated into a global war.
This album was the last to feature both Joseph Grech on vocals and Peter Grech on guitar, marking the end of an era for Angelcrypt. Following this, Shawn Mizzi took over vocal duties, leading the band into a new chapter.
Singles and Reception
The album’s lead single, Martyred Soul, debuted on May 1, 2020, and set the tone for the band’s latest sonic assault. German metal critic Edmund Sackbauer reviewed the album, noting that while Angelcrypt doesn’t break new ground in the genre, they offer a solid, well-crafted interpretation of traditional melodic death metal. The combination of crunchy riffs, haunting melodies, and precise drumming makes the record both engaging and memorable. Sackbauer also praised the fluid songwriting and structured compositions, though he noted that a more organic production could have enhanced the sound further.
Steel Druhm from Angry Metal Guy also weighed in on the album, acknowledging Angelcrypt’s ability to craft compelling songs while pointing out occasional missteps. He highlighted tracks like Iron Creed, which exudes a Dark Tranquillity vibe, and the title track, which incorporates mammoth riffs reminiscent of Morbid Angel and Bolt Thrower. However, he criticized certain aspects, such as the dramatic spoken introduction and the raw, unpolished feel of some solos. Despite these critiques, he found Dawn of the Emperor to be an overall enjoyable and punchy release.
Matthew from Metal Utopia praised the album’s historical themes, likening Angelcrypt’s style to bands like Sabaton and Ex Deo. He commended the band’s ability to intertwine music and history, with songs such as On Killing Fields and Martyred Souls effectively capturing the chaos and destruction of war. He particularly enjoyed the anthemic closer, The Black Hand, while also noting a few filler tracks that didn’t leave a lasting impression. Ultimately, he considered Dawn of the Emperor a solid entry into the melodic death metal genre, though he felt the band played it safe at times.
Angelcrypt’s Journey Through the Years
Originally formed under the name Rattlesnake, the band rebranded as Angelcrypt in 1997. Their early years saw a series of successful releases, including their debut single Epileptic Lullaby in 2001, followed by the EP From Abyss to Glory in 2003. They continued their rise with the single Thou Shalt Die in 2005 and the EP Echoes of Death in 2007, both of which are now considered collector’s items. Subsequent releases included Depopulate in 2010 and Eternal Conquest in 2011, the latter becoming a fan favorite. Their debut full-length album, We Are The Dead, arrived in 2016 and featured a remastered version of Eternal Conquest. Further cementing their reputation, they released The Black Hand in 2018, followed by Martyred Soul in 2020, taken from Dawn of the Emperor.
Following Dawn of the Emperor, the band maintained a strong presence in the European metal scene, performing at festivals and headlining shows across the continent. They continued releasing new material, including Forever Hero in 2023, Legacy of War in 2024, and their latest single, Through Blackened Waters, released on March 19, 2025.
With Dawn of the Emperor, Angelcrypt reaffirmed their dedication to crafting melodic, yet powerful metal infused with historical themes and dark atmospheres. The album's artwork, reflecting the band’s interest in World War I, further adds to its immersive appeal.
Despite lineup changes and an ever-evolving sound, Angelcrypt remains a dominant force in Malta’s metal scene. As they continue to push forward with new material and live performances, Dawn of the Emperor stands as a testament to their enduring legacy in melodic death metal.
Bibliography
"Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand." Wikipedia.
"July Crisis." Wikipedia.
"June 28, 1914." National WWI Museum and Memorial.
"How The World Went To War In 1914." Imperial War Museums.
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