Bangalore, India is not the first place one naturally associates with heavy metal. However, since 1998, four local lads formed a band forged in the most classic tradition of the genre. Kryptos have since garnered global attention and indeed travelled far and wide as headliners while also sharing major festival stages with some of the greats. Proof indeed that heavy metal is far more than a mere form of music. The culture, acceptance and burning desire to be part of this world does not know social, cultural, religious or national boundaries. Kryptos are now veterans of the scene and have dropped their seventh long player in the form of “Decimator”. No rest for the wicked then…

“Sirens Of Steel” is our introduction. A very melodic build creates drama in a classic, power/thrash metal riff which warms things up. A tight, focussed delivery firmly rooted in the ‘80’s has a mix of Judas Priest energy and Kreator edge, especially vocally with that Mille Petrozza styled scornful snarl. Early NWOBHM finger prints are all over “Fall To The Spectre’s Gaze” and “Turn Up The Heat” – both pure heavy metal goodness with the former’s chorus harking back to early Bruce Dickinson era Iron Maiden. There’s an instant catchiness to these tracks that while maintaining just enough menace also gives them an accessibility that can be sure to draw in the curious listeners that might be new.

The band have enough experience to sonically explore too. The brief instrumental light of “Solaris” has a definite Indian influence and its’ gentleness is reminiscent of Tony Iommi’s more reflective Sabbath interludes. Perhaps a little clichéd but nonetheless enjoyable is the title track where the galloping riff is stabbed with wailing lead guitar work that could have air guitars appearing. The hat-trick of closing tracks are perhaps the album’s strongest. “In The Shadow Of The Blade” has a very “Powerslave” era Iron Maiden tilt that is melodious with loads of dramatic energy. The vocals seem restrained but have a nice snarl to them accompanied by a tasteful solo. The taut cleanliness of “Pathfinder” sets up the more apocalyptic “We Are The Night” which is also the most anthemic sounding track.

Kryptos have kept the metal flag flying high on “Decimator”. There’s nothing ground-breaking here; it’s the obvious joy that four passionate musicians have for heavy metal music that exudes the album’s energy and it is rightly quite infectious. The sheer global power of the genre is highlighted by bands like this. A solid, worthwhile listen.

(7/10 Johnny Zed)

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https://kryptosindia.bandcamp.com/album/decimator