Kryptos presents its seventh album in 2024.
The first traces of the band began in 1996 under the name 8 on the Richter, but it was under its current name that the group began to make a name for itself, both nationally and internationally. Accompanied by AFM Records, Nolan Lewis (guitar/vocals, Witchgoat, ex-Aeons of Sorrow), Rohit Chaturvedi (guitar, Millennium), Vijit Singh (drums, Regicide) and Vasu Chandran (bass, Amorphia, Hell Hordes) unveil Decimator.
Bass was recorded by Robin Utbult (Vicious Rumors, ex-Air Raid) and drums by JJ Tartaglia (Skull Fist, Thunderor, Of Hatred Spawn, ex-Operus).
The combo attacks with Sirens of Steel, a solid first composition balanced between melodies and aggressive riffing that is easily anchored in an Old School approach. Vocal parts and screaming leads answer each other over the jerky rhythm, as on Fall to the Spectre’s Gaze, where the band emphasizes its roots to bring the sound of the ’80s and its cutting guitars to life, before letting the upbeat Turn up the Heat dip into motivating Hard Rock. The sound is a bit lighter, to the benefit of the bass which quietly purrs, unlike Electrify which becomes more vindictive again, except when clouds of harmonics appear in the air, slightly calming the energy. The solo energizes the ensemble, which returns for a final chorus before giving way to Solaris, an acoustic interlude that takes the pressure off before it returns in full force on Decimator, the eponymous track that lets the steel do the talking to create a new spasmodic rhythm. Leads develop the track’s ominous side, just as they will give In the Shadow of the Blade its epic overtones while letting the aggressive base lead the charge thanks to vigorous drums, but we fall back into slightly happier tones on Pathfinder. The track remains accessible and heady, as does We are the Night, the final composition which sounds to me like a snarling ballad with which the band is certain to unite its audience, who will sing along to the choruses and enjoy the leads.
Kryptos has all the elements of a good ’80s Heavy album, and the band can be proud of it! Decimator will satisfy nostalgia and put everyone in agreement with its efficiency and catchy Thrash riffs.
75/100