4 years after their self-titled EP, KRYPTAN are back with a full-length album, “Violence, Our Power,” released on February 14th, 2025, via Norwegian label Edged Circle Productions. The Swedish combo published the album on Valentine’s Day, and while black metal may not be the typical soundtrack for a romantic date, the album’s Valentine’s Day release date is a darkly humorous touch, which is something I personally appreciate.
For those unaware, KRYPTAN is the brainchild of Mattias Norrman (guitars, bass, synthesizers, and songwriting) and Alexander Högbom (vocals), whose names might be familiar to fans of melodic death/doom metal, as they are both playing in OCTOBER TIDE. The band was formed in 2020 with the clear intention and goal to explore extreme metal, drawing heavily from Sweden’s black metal heritage with a touch of Norwegian influence. The album features Victor Parri (ISOLE, VALKYRJA) on drums and Mikael Hanni (DISRUPTED) on backing vocals, as well as other special guests I will mention in due time.
The opening tune, “The Unheard Plea from Thousands of Broken Hands,” is an eerie intro, about 1 minute of pure terror, that leads to “I Hope They Die,” an exquisite tune that sees those well-known features the Swedes have built their solid reputation on, give their absolute best. The theatrical interpretation of the lyrics provided by Högbom—although being part of his approach forever—does really add authenticity and extra flavor to the whole thing. Moreover, the track sees the participation of Simon Wizén (VALKYRJA, live session as bass player in MARDUK) on the guitar solo.
There are some crust punk touches here and there, which make the album stand out from the average and yet excellent “usual” offerings, proving how deep and wide the band members’ creativity and knowledge of extreme music can be, and you can detect such an approach even on the first single they have released, “Vägen Till Våld,” which music video I suggest to watch.
The same applies to “The Miracle Inside,” where some MIDNIGHT and even SLAYER influences are clearly audible in the main riff. The clever use of the synthesizers adds a further layer of intensity to the tune, making it equally straightforwardly riff-centered, as well as elaborated in its structure due to its symphonic hint. The album’s title speaks loud in every single part of it, as a violent approach is, in fact, its undisputed power, and it could not be otherwise, although its strength is the thoughtful skill with which the songs are written and played as a whole, so that the violence is channeled and, in a way, managed. I would say it is not an easy task, but again, neither Norrman nor Högbom are exactly newbies, and their artistic sensibility is a fact. I have lost count of how many shades of extreme singing Högbom can handle, as I might have already mentioned when I reviewed his live performance with OCTOBER TIDE, but here we are.
Nox (CRAFT) takes part as a vocalist on “Det Är Döden Som Krävs,” the second-to-last song on the album, which distinctive old-school and punkish vibe makes the solemn atmosphere of its middle part quite unexpected, in a good way. It sounded like DISSECTION to my ears, which is always a positive thing.
“Let Us End This” totally sounds like the best title one could ever give to a closing song. Its furious drum work and raging riffing emphasize the passionate and colorful chant, whose emotional drive and expressive power make it one of the highlights of this album.
KRYPTAN proved that there is still a lot to say even in such a well-established genre, as “Violence, our Power” combines specific features with those songwriting skills Mattias Norrman proves to handle like a proper master of his craft. Honestly, I do hope to see them on stage someday soon.
Written by Licia Mapelli
Tracklist
- The Unheard Plea from Thousands of Broken Hands (Intro)
- I Hope They Die (feat. Simon Wizén)
- Vägen Till Våld
- The Miracle Inside
- Purge
- Violence, Our Power
- Det Är Döden Som Krävs (feat. Nox)
- Let Us End This
Lineup
Mattias Norrman – guitars, bass, synthesizers
Alexander Högbom – vocals
Label
Edged Circle Productions
