The Kryptik - When The Shadows Rise (2019)

We are huge suckers for Symphonic/Melodic Black Metal and luckily for us The Kryptik delivers one hell of a release with “When The Shadows Rise”. Clocking nearly 40 minutes, this album features eerie atmospherics, killer vocals, and an overall very melodic and explosive nature. If you are a fan of older bands like Limbonic Art, Tartaros, etc. this release is right up your alley.

After a dreamy instrumental intro, the band pounces on the lister with the demonical “Damned”. This track has that old-school vibe of just synths and no over the top orchestrations BS. While we enjoy dramatic orchestrations, there is something chilling and eerie about regular synths creating an enveloping atmosphere. The melodic nature of songs like “Flames of Revenge” showcases the band’s guitar driven mentality that while nicely leveled during the mix, they allow the track to be punishing and yet atmospheric.

For those looking for 90’s Melodic Black Metal with the likes of Old Man’s Child and similar, the album title track provides that type of riffing onslaught and headbanging clarity. Sinner’s vocals are the typical from a release like this, complementing the music and keeping that ‘evil’ vibe always present. Focusing more on the atmospheric side of things, “The Last Breath of Sadness” is a very interesting track that slowly builds up to very engaging tempo changes and mood swings, thanks to its solid drumming patterns.

Saving the best for last, the band closes with the truly impressive “Ungodly”, one of their most diverse and engaging songs in this release. Overall, “When the Shadows Rise” is one hell of a solid sophomore release. Hailing from Brazil, The Kryptik delivers the goods when it comes to creepy old-school sounding Symphonic Black Metal that is gritty and with not too many bells and whistles.

Label: Purity Through Fire

Release: October 31st, 2019

Genre: Symphonic/Melodic Black Metal

Country: Brazil