Kryptograf: Kryptonomicon

This is another strong release by the Norwegian band Kryptograf. I’d classify it as primarily hard rock. But it’s not only that; there are also moments of psychedelia and doom.

“Beyond the Horizon,” the single from the album, starts off with what you might expect from a proto-metal band of the late 60s or early 70s, is followed by a spacey part, and concludes with some heavy, crunchy guitars that had my head bopping along.

The next tune, “The Blade,” picks up right where “Beyond the Horizon” stops. In fact, I had to check to see if it was a new song, or if the band had just taken the music down for a second. They provide a formidable one-two punch to kick off the album.

The title track mixes Layne Staley-era Alice in Chains with early Black Sabbath and is a grabber. It’s followed by “You and I,” perhaps my least favorite tune on the album. It’s pretty much garage rock until you near the end, where they bring in some doom elements that extend into “From Below,” the heaviest and doomiest song on the album. It also has some death metal flourishes.

“Lost at Sea” showcases some impressive, fast guitar work and higher-pitched vocals than you get elsewhere on the album. It’s a nice change of pace. On the eight-minute closer, “The Gales,” Kryptograf gives you pretty much all the styles discussed before and even adds a little bit of folky acoustic guitar.

Kryptograf hits hard and fast with Kryptonomicon, their third release, and provides a generous variety of styles without overstaying their welcome. At less than 35 minutes, the album impresses and leaves you wanting more.

Track Listing
1. Beyond The Horizon (5:25)
2. The Blade (4:11)
3. Kryptonomicon (3:36)
4. You and I (3:03)
5. From Below (6:02)
6. Lost at Sea (3:03)
7. The Gales (8:09)

Added: March 24th 2025
Reviewer: Aaron Steelman
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 136
Language: english

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