Kryptos is a heavy metal band from Bangalore, India, formed in 1998 by Nolan Lewis (vocals/guitars) and Ganesh K. (bassist).[1][2] They have long been considered to be one of the true spearheads of the Indian metal revolution upholding the old school metal ethos laid down by the 80's NWOBHM/Thrash movements. Since their inception, the band has released four albums. Spiral Ascent in 2004, The Ark of Gemini in 2008 through Old School Metal Records, California, The Coils of Apollyon in 2013 and Burn Up The Night, the last two through AFM Records, Germany.[3]

Contents 1 History 1.1 Early years (1998-2003) 1.2 Debut Album (2004) 1.3 Signing with Old School Metal Records and second studio album (2006-2009) 1.4 Supporting Iron Maiden (2009) 1.5 2010 and present 1.5.1 The Coils of Apollyon 1.5.2 Recent Events (2012 - Present) 2 Band members 2.1 Timeline 3 Discography 3.1 Studio releases 4 See also 5 References 6 External links History Early years (1998-2003)

Kryptos was formed in late 1998,[4] Essentially a classic heavy metal band, they focus on fusing NWOBHM styling with elements of 1980's thrash metal. Their primary influences include Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden along with secondary influences such as Coroner, Kreator, Mercyful Fate,[5] and Candlemass.[6][7]

Debut Album (2004)

The first album Spiral Ascent was released in 2004, which quickly spread through the underground circuit in India as well as countries like Germany, Argentina and other parts of Europe. The album has long been out of print and is today considered a landmark release in Indian metal history. Dark Tranquillity's Niklas Sundin designed the album sleeve.

Signing with Old School Metal Records and second studio album (2006-2009)

In April 2006, Kryptos signed with Old School Metal Records from California, U.S.A, and became one of the first metal bands from India to sign with an international metal label. November 2006 marked the departure of long-time vocalist/bassist Ganesh K. and guitarist Akshay 'Axe' Patel. This caused various changes in Kryptos' line-up. Nolan Lewis took up lead vocal duties in conjunction to being a guitarist. Rohit Chaturvedi and Jayawant Tewari were hired to fill the incumbent guitarist and bassist positions, respectively.[8] The band entered the studios later that year to record the follow up to their debut album, and emerged in mid-2008 with their second album, The Ark Of Gemini.

The album received excellent reviews from different parts of the world and also enjoyed a fair amount of airplay on U.S and European metal radio stations.[9]

Supporting Iron Maiden (2009)

Kryptos landed the supporting slot for Iron Maiden at Rock 'N India 2009 in their home town Bangalore, playing to almost 17,000 fans at the Palace Grounds at second edition of the festival.[10]

2010 and present

In July 2010 Kryptos became the first Indian metal band to complete a cross-country tour of Europe,[11] playing at the Rockmaraton festival in Hungary, the In Flammen Open Air festival in Germany as well as many more club gigs throughout Germany and Switzerland.

Invasion Europa 2010

Date Event Venue 6 July Rock Maraton Festival Pecs, Hungary 10 July Inflammen Open Air Torgau, Germany 14 July Chemiefabrik Dresden, Germany 16 July Pitch Black Niederkruchten, Germany 23 July Rocktown Pfäffikon, Switzerland