Ten years after their formation in Ukraine, Krypta eventually release their debut album. Inspired by the gothic metal and symphonic metal masters of the 90s and the 00s, this female fronted band shows with its first installment that it has things to say and offer to every listener anno 2024. Krypta compose songs, which have artistic value, songs for fans of bands like Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride, Tristania etc. The irresistibly beautiful operatic female vocals are combined with the impressive growls, something that bridges “Krypta” with the contemporary extreme metal scene. You can hear also the violin and the piano, instruments which add more layers to the final result. Of course, some of the strong points of the album are its melancholic melodies and the doomy riffs, on which the compositions are based. The Ukrainian band has the know-how of making extraordinary music, which appeals to the listener and sends him/her to a dramatic voyage of dreams, shadows and thoughts. Don’t expect something new, however, the music material of “Krypta” will leave you a lasting impression – after some listening sessions, I have understood Krypta and its music and lyrics, and of course, I crave for more – more from this charismatic band, which writes top-class songs (e.g. “Ftor”, “Imya”, “Meridian” and “Shal”). If you are a fan of the 90s/00s gothic/symphonic metal sound with a large portion of brutal vocals, then this debut album of Krypta is ideal for you! Just trust these guys – they have prepared something really good for us!
♦ 8/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
