1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
Kryptan is a black/death metal band that was formed by me (Mattias) as a side project during the pandemic 2020. Together with Alexander Högbom (vox) and Samuel Karlstrand (drums) we recorded 4 songs, Inspired by the 90s era of scandinavian black metal, witch later on was released as an Ep at Debemur Mortii Productions. Then the side project turned into a band and we did some live shows with session musicians. Songwriting for a full length album began and in late 2024 we signed a deal with Edged Circle Productions to release the album titled ”Violence, Our Power” on the 14th February 2025. This time with Victor Parri behind the drums.
2.You have your first full length coming out earlier this year, musically how does it differ from your previous ep?
When we recorded the Ep we didn't knew it was going to be released. The plan back then was to release them on like soundcloud and the targeted audience was basically our friends. And the process from writing the songs till we recorded them was quit fast.
This time we have put a lot more effort in the songwriting, production and everything that involves a release. I think this album is a continuation where we left of the Ep, but with a much more clear vision how we wanted it to sound.
3.The band members have a background playing melodic doom and death metal, how would you compare the black metal style of your current band to the other metal genres, that you have worked with in the past?
I you ignore the distorted guitars, its like night and day. But yeah, you could probably find some atmospheric part somewhere that could fit in for example October tide.
4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?
Without diving any deeper into the subject, the red thread through the album is suicide. We have a couple of guest writers on the album. And we also had the honor to have Nox from ex-Craft to guest sing on of the songs.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name ’Kryptan'?
Kryptan is actually my nickname since I was around 18 years old. My bandmate Johan from Moondark came up with it 30 years ago, and almost everyone have called me that since then. The reason was the Swedish band Crypt of Kerberos. I was totally blown away when Johan introduced them to me, so he started to call me Kryptan. So when we was looking for a bandname Alex came up with the idea because I was the one who started the band.
6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
I'm extremely happy how the cover turned out! It is drawn by a artist called Ikosidio. The cover is inspired by a archaeological find in Motala in Sweden. They found paled skulls in a overgrown lake and in my point of view it looked like a ritual was going on. And it fitted the album very well. So I gave her that idea, and that I love frames, then she kinda had free hands. And it turned out absolutely stunning!
7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
We have only played live 6 times I think. And all of them was great. But a highlight was Gefle Metal Fest. We played indoors in a amazing venue and it was packed with people. We doesn't have any spectacular stage show. Just leatherjacket, bulletbelts and head banging. We’ll see if we can get some cool stage setup for future shows.
8.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?
As we speak we have one show booked. For the first time abroad. We just joined Death over Rome booking, so more shows to expect.
9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?
So far so good. I haven't heard any major complaint yet.
10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Same as we are now. Raw aggressive black metal inspired by the early scene. That was the reason we started this band, and we will continue on the same line. We ain't trying to come up with something new or groundbreaking. We’ll just find inspiration from the past and do it our way.
11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Musically influences is early 90s scandinavian black metal. Emperor, Dissection, Marduk etc. Alex influences is not the same as mine, and that's a great thing. It makes the music less predictable.
I listen to all kind of music. Kent, 16 horsepower, Röyksopp among others. As long as its dark it can be any genre.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thanks for the interview. Make sure to check out Violence, our power. Cheers!
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