All Photos By Genji/ @koolg71
Editing By Shane Lee / @vulgardisplayofgaming_
The Other Side of Anger Tour descended upon the Sunset Strip with Brazilian force brought to us by Old School Death Metal outfit CLAUSTROFOBIA and the faces of The New Wave Of Femme Fatale Metal, CRYPTA. A night of unrelenting brutality, technicality, speed, groove and brilliant stage presence - it was a highly entertaining show put on by two of Brazil's best.
Since 1993, the D'Angelo brothers, Marcus (guitars) and Caio (drums) have held their decimating sound with prowess. Joined on tour by San Diego's Garrett Davis (UNIDAD TRAUMA), the power of this trio continuously pummeled the crowd. Still out promoting their recent release from 2022, Unleeched, they played 4 songs off this album, 1 of which was "Stronger Than Faith", a song they made a video for, as well as the title track for which they also released a video. Additionally, they revisited 2002's Thrasher with 2 songs, and a song from Fulminant (2005) and Peste (2011). This was actually my first encounter with this band and I can say that I was greatly pleased with what I saw and heard. Late to the party but I'm glad to add another on the list of great Brazilian bands, and another power-trio at that. A full on energetic set that was capped off by a fun treat where Caio would come over from behind the drums to trade places with his brother to end their set with a cover from another great Brazilian group, naturally SEPUTURA and "Territory".
Another SOLD-OUT show for CRYPTA, as to be expected. I've been doing my part and told people about this band ever since the lockdown 5 years ago and I am so proud of what they have accomplished so far in this band's young career. Riding the success of 2023's Shades Of Sorrow and their debut, 2021's Echoes of The Souls, their set list is non-stop beautiful chaos with emotional solos and melodies, organic drumming and gut-rumbling bass with vocals that peel the goosebumps from your skin. With stage-presence to match their beauty, they are so much fun to watch as you feel the energy coming off that stage, the same energy the crowd gives back to them, roaring back, singing nearly every song, it's a never-ending ping-pong game of Metal positivity.
Starting out the set with "The Other Side Of Anger", the namesake of this tour, it quickly shows the talent of the band with drummer Luana's sizzling up the high-hats and dual melodies between the guitars right before vocalist/bassist Fernando unleashes her trademark growls to the crowd. Following things up with another great early demonstration of drumming with the great intro for the song "Kali", a song with a main riff that really rips your head off.
Between hearing the album so much and the evolution of their live interpretation, the on-stage chemistry and not-quite-choreographed and natural stage presence, it's a complete package.
A package that adds local Los Angeles talent Victoria Villareal on guitar trying her best to fill the void that was originally left by Sonia Anubis, and most recently Jessica Falchi - providing her own style to the amazing solos that give CRYPTA that overly emotional sound. Brutal yet palatable, every song in their set gets you going, much like the pit going on at the Whisky this night but understandable that the majority wanted to stand and watch, but yes I did expect Los Angeles to have much more pit-action.
From "Possessed" to "Stronghold" (a favorite of mine), "Trial Of Traitors" to "Dark Clouds", ultimately closing out the night with "Lord Of Ruins" and "From The Ashes", both the closing songs off their only 2 releases, brought to a end a fun and energetic sets. Such an amazing display by CRYPTA and I hope the next time they come through Los Angeles, that they decide to play a much larger venue (just NOT 1720 please!).
Check out some more photos from the show!
All Photos By Genji / @koolg71
Editing By Shane Lee / @vulgardisplayofgaming_
