Genotype - Textures
After a hiatus that began in 2017, Dutch Prog-Metal pioneers Textures return with Genotype, their latest album released on January 23rd, 2026. Originally intended as a companion to their 2016 album Phenotype, Genotype was shelved and reimagined following the band’s temporary split. Despite the band getting their start back in 2001 (making them one of the early pioneers of the controversial Prog-Metal subgenre, Djent), I somehow missed the boat on their existence. When the opportunity came up for me to listen to their newest work early, I made it a point not to listen to their pre-hiatus releases so that I could offer an unbiased opinion that wasn’t bogged down by any expectations or opinions of their early work. So, here is the perspective from someone with a fresh pair of ears!
Genotype is an album with a strong first half (as evidenced by the songs I’m going to highlight here in a moment), but it begins to lose steam once you reach the back 4 tracks. The writing is still strong, but I felt like the momentum started to fizzle out, and I found myself more interested in the first half on subsequent revisits during the review period. Additionally, the clean vocals sound good, but they’re not a style I care much for. Sometimes I felt like I was listening to Dave Mustaine from Megadeth, just with less snarl. The unclean vocals shine more for me on this record, with their rawness and clarity punching through in a way that was satisfying to listen to. While we’re switching gears to the more positive, I also want to call out the drumming and the guitar work on this record. The drumming does a lot of heavy lifting, with many of the songs putting the drums front and center, driving the songs more than any of the other instruments. I love how present the drums are, and I enjoyed a lot of the drum writing throughout. The guitars on Genotype often reminded me of Animals as Leaders or Periphery - often tapping into that style of Prog-Metal/Djent picking, structure, and sound. The differentiator here is that Textures doesn’t dip into the jazzy realm as much as the other bands listed, but it’s not a complaint or anything I felt was necessary.
Let’s cut the chit chat and get into the songs, specifically the songs that stood out to me. “Void” opens the album with a blend of distorted and clean guitars, electronic keyboards, building drums, and the sound/feeling of hope. “Void” sounds like the perfect song to kick off a live show. It’s not overly flashy, but not boring or subtle. “At The Edge of Winter” picks up right where “Void” left off. Overall, the riff and time signatures follow the classic Djent style you’d expect, and the song features guest vocals from Charlotte Wessels that really help elevate the track to new heights. “Measuring the Heavens” is quite a different track from the rest, following a consistent kick drum beat throughout that drives the song forward. At times, it can sound very 1980s, then (party like it’s) 1999. The riff and vocals around the 4:30 mark sound as if they belong on the first Resident Evil movie’s soundtrack (note how that was a 2002 film with a good amount of late 90s/early 2000s Nu Metal and Metalcore). It’s a fun track, nonetheless. Finally, “Nautical Dusk” is another drum-driven track, with the guitars sometimes feeling more like supporting characters. The riffs are a little more stripped back and sound closer to early 2000s/2010s Metalcore. It’s not until the end of the track that the guitar feels like it rises above everything else, with a guitar solo that soars high and stands out on its own.
Genotype showcases Textures’s technical prowess and creative energy, particularly in its compelling first half. While the latter tracks lose some momentum, the album’s strong songwriting, dynamic drumming, and standout guitar work make it a worthwhile listen for fans of Prog-Metal and those curious about the genre. Even if the album didn’t fully meet my expectations, its strengths are undeniable, and listeners may find their own favorites among its diverse tracks. Ultimately, music is a personal journey—what resonates with one person may surprise another. I encourage you to give Genotype a spin and discover where it takes you!