Review by Felix on June 12, 2022.

Kryptamok's debut was a great black metal album, a typical monument from Finland. Maybe I was too euphoric about it at the beginning, nevertheless, a very strong work. Now the band returns and the promo promises "a unique twist" and "a different direction". And to my surprise, this is a promo that does not only tell lies. Unfortunately, the change is pretty problematic.

On the one hand, we still get the "normal" yet absolutely exciting approach. The state of the art production (less noisy and better defined than that of the debut) spreads a proper coldness, the grim vocals leave no doubt that bitterness and scorn have a firm place in the heart of the singer and the guitars are able to create fascinating lines that convey the triumph of darkness in a very good way. Especially the outstanding title track must be mentioned in this context. It is aligned with the songs of the debut and combines intensity with the local brutality Suomi is well known for. Finally, it does not lack depth and substance. On the other hand, songs like 'Outo Kuningas' show up and deliver almost finntrollish humppa elements. Okay, the strange keyboard melody is quickly blown away by harsh guitars. Nevertheless, some weird sounds return during the instrumental part. Master's Hammer send greetings. Honestly speaking, this broadening of the musical horizon appears dangerous to me. Not for the moment. Even the symphonic 'Helvetin Esistaistelija' cannot be accused of mediocrity. It's a solid track that sound like a leftover of early Gehenna. Only its overlong intro hurts the flow of the album. However, I fear if the band goes on in this "different direction" it will lose its teeth.

Let's get from the future back to the present. Track no. 7 (forgive me, but these Finnish titles are pretty complicated) offers a violent breeze of blackness and that's no isolated case. The powerful, non-symphonic parts still dominate and make it easy to enjoy the album. Kryptamok can compete with the better known names from their homeland, for example Horna or Behexen, because they have a clear vision of their sound and they are able to implement it coherently – in particular when it comes to the more aggressive, high-speed facet of their art. In addition, the atmosphere is not neglected. That's good, because black metal without atmosphere is no black metal at all.

All in all, Kryptamok does not derail with the small experiments they have dared. Instead, they confirm the potential their first album indicated. Of course, old men like me always find something to complain about, but do not take it too seriously. Kataklysmi spreads the blazing flame of black metal and reflects the fascination of the subgenre, not in every second, but at least quite superior.

Rating: 7.8 out of 10

Review by JD on September 19, 2011.

I have been into and around metal for many years, and I thought that I had heard everything that metal had to offer up. I am pleasantly, and totally wrong. Nanowar Of Steel floated across my desk, and I have not had such a amazing time listening and reviewing an album ever.

Coming out of Italy, this motley collection of good musicians have taken tongue in cheek humour, added in a whole boat load of irreverence and then topped it off with some good old parody while still showing that they could play with the best in the world.

Describing this band is easy and hard a the same time. Can we say a fucked up version of Weird Al in a metal band? This would be the one that could be that. With spoofing lyrics, cartoonishly bad gay stereotypes and irreverent outlooks on life in general, these guys would make any adult entertainer blush.

Songs mixed with humour snippets is what you get, along with a healthy splash of pure mockery. If you like this type bold and very progressive humour, one listen to 'Odino and Vanhalla'... you’ll be hooked on these guys forever. Just think of this band a gay side of the old Mentors... it is not for children or the weak minded, but for the main lot of us who love crazed humour and can see it all around us.

This album make me laugh again and again, truly these guys are making some sort of a statement... but damn I do not care what it is. Nanowar Of Steel is just a good album to pass the time listening to. To those few who have a closed mind or some antiquated view of homosexuality... this is not an album for you. I have a relative who is openly and proudly gay, and he listened to this album - he nearly pissed himself laughing - he saw the humour for what it was, and not in any way harmed by it.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship:9
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 9 (rough, yet clear...love it)
Originality: 9
Overall: 9

Rating: 9.0 out of 10