Textures return with Genotype, their first album in a decade and the long-awaited follow-up to Phenotype from 2016. For a while it looked like this record might never arrive. The Dutch progressive metal band called it quits in 2017, leaving fans with unfinished expectations around what was supposed to be the second half of a conceptual project. Nearly ten years later, Textures are back together and Genotype finally sees the light of day.
Textures formed in the early 2000s and quickly became one of the most respected heavy bands to come out of the Netherlands. Albums like Polars and Drawing Circles helped shape the European progressive metal and djent scene long before the style became widely popular. Over the years the band shared stages with names like Arch Enemy, Meshuggah and Machine Head, building a reputation for technically sharp songwriting balanced with strong melodic ideas.
Let’s be honest: Textures are not exactly the typical band you expect to see covered on SKNWRLD. This site leans heavily toward punk, Oi!, ska and underground guitar music. But in the broader heavy world, Textures have always carried serious weight. Their influence on modern progressive metal is undeniable, and a comeback of this size deserves attention.
Genotype wastes little time reintroducing the band’s sound. After the atmospheric opener ‘Void’, the album truly comes to life with ‘At The Edge Of Winter’. The track captures everything that made Textures stand out in the first place: precise riffs, shifting rhythms and strong melodic vocals from Daniël de Jongh. A guest appearance from Charlotte Wessels adds another layer, giving the chorus a dramatic lift without turning the track overly polished.
From there the record settles into a familiar Textures formula. Tracks like ‘Measuring The Heavens’ and ‘Nautical Dusk’ build patiently before exploding into heavy, groove-driven sections. The band has always been good at balancing complexity with atmosphere, and that approach still works well here. Synth textures and clean guitar passages add breathing space before the next wave of technical riffing arrives.
Vocally, Daniël de Jongh remains the centrepiece of the album. His clean vocals dominate much of the record, delivering strong melodic hooks that stick after a few listens. Harsh vocals appear more sparingly but still give the heavier passages their bite. The balance between melody and aggression feels more refined than on earlier releases.
Later in the album, ‘Closer To The Unknown’ injects fresh energy with a tighter structure and immediate hooks, while ‘A Seat For The Like-Minded’ leans into synth-driven textures and progressive arrangements. The closing track ‘Walls Of The Soul’ stretches out to nearly eight minutes and serves as a cinematic finale, combining atmospheric passages with a gradual build toward a powerful climax.
If there is a minor criticism, it is that Genotype rarely surprises. Long-time fans will recognise most of the band’s trademarks, and the album stays close to the sonic path laid out by Phenotype. But the songwriting remains strong and the production is crystal clear, giving every instrument room to breathe.
Ten years away could have dulled the impact. Instead, Textures return sounding focused and confident. Genotype proves the band still belongs among the leading names in progressive metal.
Release date: 23 January 2026 | Label: K-Scope | Instagram
Tracklist:
1. Void
2. At The Edge Of Winter
3. Measuring The Heavens
4. Nautical Dusk
5. Vanishing Twin
6. Closer To The Unknown
7. A Seat For The Like-Minded
8. Walls Of The Soul