Album review: Koldkrypt - Holocauste Global (2022)

Koldkrypt – Holocauste Global

France

Hessian Firm

“Holocauste Global” is the second full-length album by the French black metal powerhouse, Koldkrypt. Their brand of hateful, cold and misanthropic black metal is just what the doctor ordered. The disc is comprised of eight tracks, with drawn-out compositions and an atmosphere cold enough to drop temperatures in your room once you start listening.

Koldkrypt is unlike any other black metal project I’ve heard before, while at the same time sounding familiar without fitting into any particular trend. This isn't orthodox black metal, nor is it second-tier Darkthrone worship, or some war metal-like stuff – it's simply black metal without gimmicks; straight to the point, like a bullet to the head.

There is an epic quality to the riffs on this release, which at times evokes images of medieval battles and castles in some frostbitten kingdom. The atmosphere has an apocalyptic feel to it, combined with well-written compositions and hate-filled vocals.

A lot of emphasis is placed on guitars on this recording, and I must say the guy is really proficient, as he incorporates a lot of intricate melodies that sometimes border on the virtuosity of power metal, but they work well as they convey a lot of depth.

The mix of harsh elements with sombre guitar melodies works well, although don't mistake this for a post-black metal outfit trying to unite people around some lame environmental theme. Here is a quote that illustrates the misanthropic and anti-human nature of the music: 

“The release is driven by hate, but not by hate for any one group of people within society, or the fact that society even exists at all. Typhus X directs caustic hatred towards humanity as a whole, drawing attention to our shortcomings and failures as a species”

In light of that, it should come as no surprise that Typhus X covered Zyklon B's 'Warfare', and to say the cover is sick is an understatement; Koldkrypt's version absolutely honors the original. This record is driven by pure visceral and primal aggression, while also showing a certain level of virtuosity that showcases the phenomenal talent behind this project. Fans of Scandinavian black metal from the '90s will love this project. As I listened to this, I was reminded of bands like Kvist, Arckanum, and Zemial. Even so, Koldkrypt does not sound like those bands, although they do emit a similar energy.

This is apocalyptic, vitriolic, and well-executed black metal that will appeal to those with a disdain for trends and the mainstream. It is time to celebrate the end of your worthless existence with this soundtrack. Rejoice! (HT)