Krapyl – Før Alt [EP]

Youth is instrumental in the birth and longevity of music scenes. Nearly all extreme metal genres were born out of musical experimentation by teens, trying to find new and unexplored levels of brutality, obscurity or ingenuity. And often it’s the younger bands that, years after genres retreat back to the underground, reawaken the flame by providing a fresh new impulse. In Scandinavia this youthful enthusiasm is often preceded by years of instrumental ripening, as musical education is emphasized at a very early age. Consequently, by the time they are teens, they could be considered fairly skilled musicians. Aged between 16 and 19, the members of Krapyl certainly fall into that category based on the music presented on their debut EP ‘Før Alt’, released through Cold Northern Breeze Records.

Presented as the new breed of True Norwegian Black Metal, you could argue that Krapyl doesn’t have a necessarily typical Norwegian sound. Most of the influences that can be heard back on the four-track EP equally cover the sound of the Swedes, Finnish and Norwegians. Part of the tone of the clean guitars and especially the somewhat bluesy undertone of the frequent solos reminds me of Shining, and even a hint of Opeth can be detected (especially the beginning of the more melancholic ‘Valley of the Lost’). While the melodic approach of Krapyl certainly warrants comparison with Swedish Black Metal, an at times chugging, near-Death Metal approach, recalls memories of a band like Hypocrisy as well, such as in title track. The aforementioned frequent use of solos is something that also reminds me of another newer band, the Finnish Moonlight Sorcery, that on their releases combines icy synth-laden Black Metal with virtuose guitarplay. Krapyl certainly doesn’t opt for the same atmospheric approach and synthesizers cannot be found on ‘Før Alt’, but the flashy Heavy Metal-like guitar play certainly has strong overlap. The guitar tone of a band like Sargeist can also be heard of the EP, especially songs like ‘Mørningen’ and ‘Glimt I Asken’. With a Norwegian riff basis that presents elements of Borknagar, Emperor and Immortal, the sound of Krapyl presents many aspects of Scandinavia: from harsh and more blasting to more cold and midpaced Black Metal in a fairly modern jacket. The results is a varied and technically impressive release, and the band in no way shows their youthful age in terms of the maturity of their musicianship.

As with many young band or debut releases, ‘Før Alt’ does show some sight signs of immaturity. Personally, I find that the at times more Death Metal parts of the vocals and music feel a little out of place and perhaps the music could do with a slightly rougher edge. But that’s hardly a disqualification of the band, as for a debut this is an impressive release. In particular the frequent solos strike the right chord, complementing the melodic riffs and contrasting the harsher sections nicely. And thus, the overall feeling is very positive. Krapyl may not be quite there yet, but seeing the age and potential of the band, Krapyl certainly seems to have a bright future ahead.