Album Review

It has been a pretty long time since KRYPTERIA has been touring with SUBWAY TO SALLY. Afterwards, the Metal scene didn’t hear that much about the Aachen based formation which released its previous successful long-player `Bloodangel’s Cry´ in 2007. Now, front woman Ji-In Cho and her band mates Chris Siemons (guitars), Frank Stumvoll (bass) and S. C. Kuschnerus (drums) are back with their recent release `My Fatal Kiss´ that was announced as an issue-focused album dealing with being ambivalent as a certain condition of the human mind: Good and evil, light and darkness, joy and sorrow - a philosophical subject that has always been reflected over in the history of mankind. Therefore, it may be ideally suited for a formation that is known for stirring productions with a knack for bombastic stylistic devices.

However, the newest piece of work isn’t that bombastic as I expected it to be. There is a trend towards a straighter and less playful style regarding the melodies. The guitar riffs are melodic as usual, but more raw-edged. Gregorian choir chants and progressive instrumental parts still guarantee a dramatic soundscape that is in line with Ji-In’s bright and almost classical vocals. Therefore, you will listen to an overall pleasing package. Nevertheless, it’s debatable whether KRYPTERIA is really a Metal representative. For example, on tracks such as `My Fatal Kiss´, ´The freak in me´ or `Ignition´ you will often hear a strong affinity to Pop melodies. Just imagine the album without the hard guitar parts and it could be intended for mainstream radio stations. Thus, `My Fatal Kiss´ will also please the average listener who usually prefers charts stuff.