Today we're going to talk about leather, long hair, the glorious 80s, and heavy metal in its purest, raw form. Today, we're going to talk about "Force of Danger" by Kryptos. If you haven't heard about Kryptos, you're in for a ride—a ride filled with thunder, lightning, riffs that hit harder than Mjolnir, and solos that would melt the sun twice over.
Hailing from Bangalore, India, Kryptos has been around for a while now, starting their journey in 1998. These men are a force to be reckoned with in the Indian metal scene. Having opened for Iron Maiden, you know they mean business and are masters of their craft.
The band's sound is steeped in quintessential 80s thrash, defined by speed, hard-hitting riffs, shredding-style lead work, along with elements of NWOBHM. They count Black Sabbath and NWOBHM legends (you know who they are!) as their main influences, along with Kreator and Mercyful Fate. Their signature sound comes from combining elements of NWOBHM with 80s thrash, along with Kreator-style vocals.
"Force of Danger" is Kryptos' 6th studio album. One look at their album cover art, and you know what you're in for. An Eddie-esque figure wearing a leather jacket, smoking a cigarette, and holding a shotgun—it feels like Eddie fused with Arnold Schwarzenegger from Terminator. Instantly, you know what to expect.
Kryptos' blueprint remains the same. Each track on the album features high-octane riffs, guitar harmonies, and Nolan's raspy voice guiding with determination to create a sound that is not just heavy but also hard-hitting. The experience is a bit like eating electricity—you feel it in your teeth.
Clocking in at 35:32, it is a punchy lineup of 8 tracks, and from the very first song, "Raging Steel," Kryptos grabs you squarely by the balls, delivering a barrage of fast-paced riffs and harmonies. Before you know it, you're screaming the chorus with the band.
Nolan and Rohit don't disappoint and continue to effortlessly churn out nostalgia-inducing 80s riffs. The album offers multiple headbanging moments with adroit guitar work, harmonies chasing slick solos, and some pretty sweet riffs.
Diehard fans of the band will instantly recognize "Dawnbreakers" and "Omega Point" as quintessential Kryptos tracks. Both songs deliver a strong rhythm section with soaring solos and are worthy of landing in the top 25 thrash songs of the year (I wouldn't go there, but for the brave souls who do...). "Dawnbreakers" is easily the best track on the album, and the solo reminds one of "Heretic Supreme" from "Ark of Gemini." It is the goosebump-inducing song that you search for in every album, and it does not disappoint. "Omega Point" is also the longest track on the album, clocking in at 6:22 on the Richter scale (long-time fans will know this reference).
"Force of Danger," "Raging Steel," "Hot Wired," and "Nighthawk" are all solid and well-rounded, well-structured, though at times, it feels almost like the band is following a formula. There is nothing that will surprise you, but then there isn't anything that will disappoint you either. You know what to expect, and Nolan and co deliver.
Another banger is "Shadowmancer." Some may complain it is a slow-tempo song to end an album that consistently chases higher RPMs, but the riff work is immaculate, powerful, and while it may not be one for the moshpit, it definitely is one that will have you headbanging to the tune.
There are no bad songs on the album, but if I had to pick the weakest, it would be "Thunderchild." It swims in the mid-tempo tide for far too long, and when the solo arrives, you find yourself waiting for the next track.
My only critique of the album would be that it ends just as you feel ready to tear apart a sheet of metal with your bare hands. Just as you need some fat when cooking meat to get the flavor going, the songs feel too lean at times and could definitely do with an extra sprinkle of longer solos or an extended mid-section. You come out wanting more, but maybe that isn't necessarily a bad thing?
So bring out your leather jacket, boots, chains, grab those cans of beer, and head out into the setting sun with "Force of Danger" blasting at full volume.
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