With the world finally opening back up, I think everyone is super excited to get back to the “regular” normal as opposed to the “new” normal. I know as a musician myself it’s been hell with no-shows to go with new albums. They have always gone hand-in-hand of course. A band releases a new cut then we all start looking for the tour dates to be announced, to see how far of a drive it’s going to be to see said show. Of course, Covid changed all that, forcing us all to accept the aforementioned “new” normal. Now I for one was super stoked to get to do a review on a new band with anticipation of catching the band on a tour this summer. So, let’s get to it.

Today we get our asses handed to us by the mighty Crypta, and their new album Echoes of the Soul, (Napalm Records). First off, I love bands that embrace the cross-genre game. Crypta does this with every twist and turn. This album shows artists being true to themselves. I truly enjoy an album that doesn’t make itself boring by presenting us with cliche riffs and shit. I want to hear what was written not what was produced, I guess is what I’m getting at here. Crypta does this with their own stellar style. I love not knowing what’s coming next, and this album gave this to me in spades. Cool groovy riffs combined with elements of death and thrash thrown in at killer intervals. I really dig the drums as well. I always love drums that are tasty but also drive with awesome energy (Kali intro… just saying). Tis’ a win-win lol, and the drums here are just that. Next up, Guitars. I was really blown away by the guitar work, killer riffage with awesome solos. I mean two great tastes that taste great together. I also really look for technique, sloppy guitar work is annoying, we’ve seen it before so it’s refreshing when technical proficiency is stressed. It is always a plus when you can hear parts of songs and just imagine the “pit” going crazy then a killer solo rips in and you just know guitar heads are gonna be wearing out the rewind button until they figure out what’s going on. Last, but certainly not least, the vocals. I like the approach here. Be true. My favorite vocalists are vocalists that can stand out. You only have to hear them a handful of times and you just know who it is. The vocals here are strong and definitely signature. 

I think Crypta did an excellent job on their first cut. I definitely look forward to their next offering. \mXm/ 

Buy the album here: https://napalmrecords.com/crypta

7 / 10

TORBJORN SOLGARD