by Daniel King - 20 August 2015

When something drops in your inbox with a name you've not heard before it's always intriguing. When it also says 'formerly Gutworm' next to the name it makes it even more likely that I'll give it a listen. So, that's how I came to hear of Krysthla, but what do they do?

Well, I can say immediately and with confidence, they won't be for everyone. The opening track Minority Of One with have written off a large audience within about 15 seconds. It's fast, it's heavy and it really doesn't hold anything back. And with that the scene is set for A War Of Souls And Desires. Calling it an assault on the senses feels like it wouldn't be doing it justice, I'm sure the word brutal gets bandied about for any band that uses a double bass pedal these days, but even calling it a brutal assault feels underwhelming.

It isn't just a wall of noise though, there are some groove laden riffs in there. Think Lamb Of God's evil twin, Lamb Of Devil if you will. Though at points it feels like it might resort to the wall of noise, the opening of H+ being a prime example of this. It is probably the track with the least 'groove' to it, but even the chorus of it returns to the more listener friendly riffs.

What is most impressive about the alarm is that from the first listen you can tell that being at a Krysthla show is going to hurt. Caged Earth it's a good example of this, you just know you're going to leave with mosh scars and burst ear drums.

So if you're in a bad mood Krysthla are a great voice of band to take your mind off of whatever is getting down. A War Of Souls And Desires probably won't be winning any awards, but I doubt the lads really guide a damn about that. Just put it on, turn it up loud and enjoy.