At The Whisky A Go-Go

- advertisement -

All Photos By Thomas Delgado/@batforcetom/@forthehordeprod

Los Angeles, or as I often refer to as LOST Angeles was a bit of a mecca and ground zero for Metal this one Saturday nite in February. I tell you we're spoiled here in that we get a lot of the great tours to come through. It's a double edged-sword (pun coming) which while it's great, it does hinder things in many other ways, like the way it hits your pocket-book. Nevertheless, L.A. brought it that Saturday. Of all the shows happening, the Whisky a Go-Go should be thankful for having hosted CRYPTA for their 'Shades Of Sorrow' Tour. This was a jam-packed sold-out show and I can honestly say that I can't recall a time that I've seen so many truly dedicated Death Metal fans lined up extra early for doors to open.

One of the many aspects of why CRYPTA has been so successful is their personable approach. They have connected with their fans ever since it was ok to re-connect in person, considering this band was born out of the pandemic (I still hate the word). CRYPTA more than survived that era, it came out firing on all cylinders, fighting against all odds while many bands essentially gave up and called it a day. After their soundcheck and before my appointment with Fernanda for our interview, the girls came out for some photo-ops in front of the Whisky marquee and took some time to meet with fans, sign autographs and take photos. Now while other occurrences and run-ins threatened to ruin my experience this nite, CRYPTA is too good of a band for me to let that happen. Between their energy, their charisma, their stage-presence, their music being totally organic and energizing - their show will definitely conquer all doubt.

Let's get to the show, shall we? It's worth pointing out that the whole stage was cleared out for them. No backline or cabinets taking up space. Strictly them and the draped swords that resembled the theme of their newest album. As "The Aftermath" played, the girls took the stage. First Luana positioned herself behind the kit, followed by Taina to the far end stage-left and then Jessica, and ultimately Fernanda. As their typical m.o., they had their back to the crowd and Luana counted into "The Other Side Of Anger". As the snare roll built up, Fernando was sizing up the stage while Taina and Jessica flanked on both sides began headbanging as Luana blasted out those beats. That stage belonged to CRYPTA. During only their second song in the set, "Kali" had to be cut short at the last minute as the crowd's intensity already got a bit out of hand. Due to the fans pushing towards the stage, someone right in front had passed-out and had to be carried out. It happens unfortunately but I'm sure she was ok. After a rocky start that also consisted of some technical sound difficulties, we were in for a definite treat in that CRYPTA would perform the entire Shades Of Sorrow album on shuffle. "The Outsider", "Trial Of Traitors", "Lift The Blindfold" - all of it. In addition, from their explosive debut and aside from the aforementioned, they played "Dark Night of the Soul", "Under the Black Wings" and closed out the show with "From the Ashes". The chemistry between all of them on stage is unmatched. Their stage presence is so entertaining, with synchronized headbanging and the dual shredding between Jessica and Taina, Luana's straight-faced demeanor while laying done some great blast-beats and drum-fills, capped off with Fernanda's commanding front-woman skills that align her with some of the great vocalist/bass players in Metal the likes of Tom Araya, Lemmy, Schmier, Cronos - just to name a few.

I've been talking about this band since the pandemic and as their popularity grows, instead of me being sour about it like you might suspect when a band "sells out" (in no way am I saying CRYPTA "sold-out") and gets big, I embrace the idea that they are getting the respect and acknowledgment they deserve. Even as I type this, Gary fkn Holt of EXODUS (and SLAYER) posted about them and gave them high praise. If that doesn't signal to you that CRYPTA is a big fkn deal, then this type of Metal and scene likely isn't your cup of tea, as you sip on your white claws.

While the local openers who paid-to-play try to take credit from the hard work these 4 women from Brazil, who lead the way for (wait for it) THE NEW WAVE OF FEMME FATALE METAL and have worked so hard, CRYPTA played a killer set to a packed house that could barely be contained. With no co-headliner or tour-supporting acts, CRYPTA SOLD OUT The Whisky a Go-Go ON THEIR OWN. An awesome testament to how amazing they are, how quickly they've gained attention and an already dedicated fan-base. Congrats to them on a HUGE accomplishment!

Check out some more photos from the show! All Photos By Thomas Delgado/@batforcetom/@forthehordeprod