KRYPTOGRAF – Kryptograf
- Posted on 29-08-2020
Yes, this is just what I needed – a raw, fuzzy stoner rock/doom metal opus that harkens back to pioneering groups such as Black Sabbath, Pentagram, and Saint Vitus. Certain parts here even recall Blue Cheer and Jimi Hendrix, which is brilliant. If you want spaced-out, psychedelic riffs and wicked melodies, look no further than Kryptograf as this skilled Norwegian outfit conjures up otherworldly sounds of old and yet manages to infuse them with a nicely timeless feel too.
This self-titled record is neither flawless nor utterly compelling from beginning to end as the last half of the LP is more focused and captivating than the first one, but the whole cursed thing contains bags of atmosphere, memorable songs, and plenty of groove throughout. In addition, there is a myriad of great ideas and heaps of potential to be discovered on the disc, and I am very much looking forward to seeing what the future holds for these talented musicians from Bergen. “Kryptograf” is not exactly a reinvention of the stoner/doom genre or late 60s/early 70s hard rock as such, but the band tear through their rough and gritty brand of musical bleakness with gusto, and there can be no doubt in my mind that you ought to give this ugly fucker a handful of spins. This is an inspired album with some interesting textures to it, which is perhaps best exemplified by the tracks “Sleeper” and “Ocean”.