Metal-Observer.com back
Rating: 8 / 10

APOKRYPHA were already formed in 1999 in Würzburg. Founding members were Andread Hofman (rhythm guitar, vocals), Jochen Sues (lead guitar) and Cosmin Marica (drums). Freddy Schartl (bass) joined them as late as in the end of 2000. Inspired by IMMORTAL the idea of giving birth to a stylistically open Black Metal project was born. At first the baby was called TO THE SEVEN, like their first song. Later the band was rebaptized APOKRYPHA. After some demo/promo EPs they managed to get a deal with Black Attakk. The present debut offers a very competent dose of black Metal that comes across highly melodic on the one hand but also pretty brutal on the other hand. There are no blackouts to moan about, the band shows immensely high technical potential, like you would mainly expect it from Sweden or Finland at the moment. Cleanly played und very varied the guys thrash down 10 songs that should appeal to just every friend of good Black Metal. The Thrash genre is touched as well and good old Death Metal can also be found in the sound of APOKRYPHA. As check out tip I guess I'll name the cool opener "To The Seven" and the strong "Crowd" which you can check out as MP3 edit. I can't help those who haven't been convinced yet with that. What can a band change about the fact that they are damn talented but hailing neither from Norway nor from Finland? In that case the alum would certainly go like hot cakes. But (partially) it's really like that.Give a national band a chance and buy the album and if possible, one for sister, girlfriend and granny while your at it.

14.07.2004 - Ralf