Interesting to note that in the press blurb Krypteria’s female lead vocalist, Ji-In is referred to as a ‘stunningly talented and breathtaking beauty’. Blimey! No punches held back there. Nothing wrong with the ‘talented’ bit but why must they go on about her looks? Why can’t women in rock just be judged solely on their musical ability – whether it be in the studio or live? It’s 2007 for heaven’s sake. I know sex sells but in the 21^st Century surely we’re beyond the ‘oh a female singer – I wonder what she looks like’ stage?. 

It p*sses me off when female artist’s are ‘sold’ like that. Trouble is Ji-In is all over their Myspace page as well so make of that what you will. Rock should be leading the way – but isn’t, when it comes to sexism. Sorry for the rant, but while we are at it, I know there is nothing wrong with someone being good looking in a band – it just shouldn’t be the main priority. But I reiterate as the above quote comes from the first line of the biog! 

So yes I’ve done my modern man bit but what does the bloody album actually sound like? 

Well the production is spot on. The whole thing contemporary (the band were formed in 2004 and are German-Korean) the material not the worst I’ve ever heard. Opener ‘All Systems Go’ sounds like a half-decent Europe track. ‘Somebody Save Me’ has an epic feel to it and ‘Out of Tears’ would grace an Evanescence album. ‘Sweet Revenge’ has a nice 80’s ‘Ozzy’ type riff. So all in all it’s not that bad. 

However as decent a listen as ‘Bloodangel's’ Cry’ is nothing stands out as really memorable by the end. I’ve been living with this CD on the car stereo for a few days now and only ‘All Systems Go’ remains in the memory banks. 

Ji-In’s vocals are fine. She also plays the ol’ Joanna and this is a slight clue as to the problem I had with some of the material on here. It really does sound a wee bit too close to Evanescence for comfort. The piano refrains are pure ‘Amy Lee’ as are some of the vocal inflections in my opinion. All a bit worrying. However at least Ji-In sounds a lot more upbeat and cheery than Lee these days!  

Krypteria are a very promising band, in the early stages of their career. They should concentrate on developing their own sound a bit more then I’m sure we’ll be hearing more from them. As it is, this is quite good, but the lack of originality is stopping them from making the most of their collective talents. And they need a killer song. But doesn’t everybody. Even Evanescence needed ‘Bring Me to Life’ and its amazing video to break into the big time.

Let us know your views on 'Bloodangels Cry'

Track Listing

All Systems Go
The Promise
Time To Bring The Pain
Somebody Save Me
Scream
Lost
Out Of Tears
I Can't Breathe
The Night All Angels Cry
Dream Yourself Far Away
Sweet Revenge
At The Gates Of Retribution
 

Line Up

Ji-In- vocals/piano
Chris - guitars
Frank - bass
Cush - drums