Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Textures - Genotype (2026)

The title of this album Genotype was held on to for a decade, originally meant for an album that was never meant to be. And now, we finally get the once-lost sequel to Phenotype! Just not how it initially was...

Metalheads were hyped up for this supposed Genotype album that ended up shelved when Textures announced their farewell tour and subsequent disbandment. Like a cliffhanger in a cancelled show, it was a big hole in the story that wasn't filled... Until the band reformed in 2023 and rewrote everything into something fresh and new, while maintaining the fact that Genotype continues the Phenotype saga. And at last, it arrived two days before my birthday! Although I didn't get it until two weeks later.

"Void" is the album's overture that welcomes back their fanbase with a colorful burst of guitars, synths, and drums. A warm light after the cold darkness of the absence! "At the Edge of Winter" is where the band's heaviness comes back to life and punches right through. Vocalist Daniel de Jongh is still in great shape after all those years away, but what impresses me the most here is the guest vocals Charlotte Wessels. D*mn it, I gotta hear more of her former band Delain! The instrumentation and vocals sound so epic, and it's clear the band is back for real. "Measuring the Heavens" has more emotional flow. When the vocal intensity alternates with the heavy riffing, they really strike.

"Nautical Dusk" brings some darkness to the light in the rhythms. It's quite addictive, especially in the vocal power. "Vanishing Twin" is more diverse in the drum energy and the synths. Although there are mostly cleans, the growls hit hard within the stomping instrumentation at the end.

"Closer to the Unknown" is sharp and catchy. It is another perfect anthem with a total live-friendly chorus and searing leads. A short yet massive banger! Then "A Seat for the Like-Minded" takes a more ominous turn in the riffing and vocals. "Walls of the Soul" is the 8-minute closing epic, gradually building up and get more lively every minute. The percussion and riffing attack and, at the same time, let you transcend smoothly. An adventurous way to end their comeback offering!

It can be hard to pick up greatly where you left off after a long hiatus, but Textures have just done just that and more. The melodies and riffs will surely please the older fans and bring new ones in. Genotype is a true return to form for this talented band. They shall keep waving the progressive metal flag!

Favorites: "At the Edge of Winter", "Measuring the Heavens", "Closer to the Unknown", "Walls of the Soul"