Kryptograf – Kryptonomicon

 

 

Kryptograf – Kryptonomicon
Apollon Records – 2025
Rock, Hardrock, Prog, Proto, Seventies, Stoner, Doom
Rated:

If you know me, you can imagine my excitement when I learned of the new album ‘Kryptonomicon’. I was completely gob smacked by their self-titled debut way back in 2020 and it still frequently finds its way onto my turntable. I remember there being a certain enigma surrounding the band when I first heard of them. Who are these guys? What do they look like? What does Kryptograf mean? Of course, all these questions have been answered but what remains is their craft and that sound. That sweet proto-metal, 70’s, stoner-doom concoction, that is Kryptograf. That undeniable Kryptograf sound!

‘The Eldorado Spell’, the band’s second outing dropped in 2022. That album was perhaps more experimental, but it escaped the ‘sophomore slump’ and confirmed that they weren’t just a one-off. It has aged well, containing some of my favorite tunes from the band. Three years later and here we are, and here is Kryptograf.

The album starts with the multi-faceted ‘Beyond The Horizon’, which rightfully is one of the singles of the album. As such it harnesses what any great single should, catchy guitar riffs, remarkable vocal melodies, and the collective wonders of the entire group. But of course, done with that Kryptograf elegance! ‘The Blade’ continues us on our musical journey with the proto-metal meets proto-doom sound that Kryptograf has been exploiting (to our delight) since day one. At the two and a half mark the guitars go into a mesmerizing harmonization sequence while the bass walks around the neck with fervency. This is all in preparation to come crashing back into the striking chorus.

The title track ‘Kryptonomicon’ has some great bluesy licks on it and highlights one of the band’s true strengths, which (to me at least) is the vocal melody and the structures of them. There is knowledge and skill in such efforts to create memorable sing-along songs. ‘You And I’, the single that was released way back in the first quarter of 2024 has a strong Graveyard vibe on it. I found the small yet mighty harmonica appearance to be exciting and unexpected. The energetic track is catchy with potent vocal deliveries and displays some amazing drumming, some of the best on the album.

As the promo stated, the B-side of the album is a ‘heavier’ or ‘moodier’ Kryptograf, I would add ‘doomier’ to that assessment. Though not a drastic change, there is a mood shift into darker territory compared to that of the first half of ‘Kryptonomicon’ with more of a doom focus musically and desolate themes lyrically. Fans of the band will recognize this as the opposite side of the same coin. It is after all, Kryptograf! ‘From Below’ directs us downward into the abyss. There’s a tense feeling in the air, a sense of uneasiness, the urgency to escape. If not from the depths, from life itself. Stoner doom riffs and minor keys fill the winding path as ghoulish vocals assist in haunting the track. The song ‘Lost At Sea’ is filled with vocal harmonies that seize the listeners’ attention, one of the most engaging aspects of Kryptograf. I’ve always felt like they have somewhat of a nautical, across open seas, journey into the unknown sound to some of their material, even if not subject wise. Perhaps it’s just the way that Kryptograf can tell a story and convey it to the listener. ‘The Gales’ is both dreamy and nightmarish, with the bass directing the relaxed verses before a sinister middle section filled with crashing and pounding drums decimates the sleeper. Though Kryptograf are great storytellers, this uneasy portion is told through the instrumentation. Then just as all seems lost, in true Kryptograf fashion, you’re hit with a powerful vocal melody and commanding guitar solo. All is right once more.

‘Kryptonomicon’ sees the band building upon their previous two albums, taking the best sounds and approaches from them while charting new waters and continuing upon the fresh course ahead. One thing is for sure, they retain their classic sound that is undeniably Kryptograf!

(Written by Jon McGough)

Listen to the first two singles now and get psyched for the full album, releasing on March 7th through Apollon Records!



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Kryptograf - Kryptograf ended up on Number 5 on the Stoner HiVe Top 20 Countdown of 2020

Kryptograf - The Eldorado Spell ended up on Number 17 on the Stoner HiVe Top 20 Countdown of 2022