Kryptos (band)

KRYPTOS
Background information
OriginBangalore, India
GenresHeavy metal
Years active1998–present
LabelAFM Records
MembersNolan Lewis
Rohit Chaturvedi
Abbas Razvi
Vishnu Reddy
Past membersChing Len
Akshay 'Axe' Patel
Ryan Colaco
Jayawant Tewari
Ganesh Krishnaswamy
Anthony Hoover
Vijit Singh
WebsiteKryptos Official Page

Kryptos is an Indian heavy metal band from Bangalore, Karnataka and is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the modern Indian heavy metal movement.

Known for their high-octane blend of 80s metal, NWOBHM and thrash metal, Kryptos draws influence from bands such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Thin Lizzy, Coroner and Kreator. The band has released seven studio albums and has toured extensively across Europe and Asia.

In 2013, Kryptos became the first Indian heavy metal band to perform at Wacken Open Air, one of the world’s largest metal festivals.

Formation and early years (1998 – 2003)

Kryptos was formed in Bangalore in 1998 by guitarist Nolan Lewis and bassist Ganesh Krishnaswamy. Influenced by the sound and ethos of classic heavy metal from the 1970s and 1980s, the band began performing locally and quickly became one of the spearheads of the growing Indian underground metal scene.

Debut album (2004)

In 2004, Kryptos released their debut studio album Spiral Ascent, which became one of the earliest internationally recognized heavy metal releases from India.

The album quickly gained underground attention within India as well as in Europe and South America. Although long out of print, Spiral Ascent is often cited as an influential early release in the development of modern Indian heavy metal.

The Ark of Gemini, lineup changes and supporting Iron Maiden (2006 – 2009)

In 2006, Kryptos signed with California-based label Old School Metal Records, becoming one of the first Indian metal bands to secure an international record deal.

This period also saw a lineup change with Nolan Lewis taking over lead vocals while continuing as rhythm guitarist and Rohit Chaturvedi (lead guitar) and Jayawant Tewari (bass) coming into the fold, joining Ryan Colaco (drums).

Kryptos recorded and released their second studio album The Ark of Gemini in 2008, which received positive reviews from international metal media and radio stations.

In 2009, Kryptos opened for Iron Maiden at Rock 'N India 2009 in their home town Bangalore — playing to almost 17,000 fans at the Palace Grounds.[1]

The Coils of Apollyon and signing with AFM Records (2010 – 2013)

In 2010, Kryptos completed their first European tour, becoming the first Indian heavy metal band to do so. This marked the beginning of relentless touring over the next two decades as the band toured extensively across India and Europe.

The band subsequently released their third studio album The Coils of Apollyon in 2012, signing a long-term record deal with German metal label AFM Records.

In 2013, Kryptos made history by performing at Wacken Open Air, becoming the first Indian heavy metal band to appear at the festival.

Burn Up the Night, Afterburner and Force of Danger (2014 – 2021)

Following their breakthrough in Europe, Jayawant Tewari and Ryan Colaco left the band with Ganesh K. returning on bass and Anthony Hoover taking over on drums.

In 2016, Kryptos released their fourth studio album Burn Up the Night, which was widely praised for its strong homage to the sound and aesthetics of classic 1980s heavy metal. The band continued their march across Europe, touring with Sacred Reich, Death Angel, Exodus and other heavy hitters.

The band returned to Wacken Open Air once again in 2017 and followed this up with their fifth studio album Afterburner in 2019, their most commercially successful album to date.

During this period, Ganesh K. departed once again and Anthony Hoover was replaced by Vijit Singh. Undeterred, Kryptos released their sixth album, Force of Danger in 2021, continuing their focus on high-energy traditional heavy metal.

The band embarked on an extensive European tour in 2022, reinforcing their status as one of metal's hottest live acts.

Decimator and recent activity (2024 – present)

In 2024, Kryptos teamed up with producer Jamie Elton (Watain, Tribulation) and released their seventh studio album Decimator in 2024. Robin Utbult (Vicious Rumors, Sacred) recorded bass on the album, which featured tighter and sharper songwriting.

In 2025, the band parted ways with Vijit Singh after several years of recording and touring.

With Abbas Razvi coming in on bass and Vishnu Reddy on drums, Kryptos continue to move forward with another European tour scheduled for late 2026 and a new album in the pipeline for 2027.

Band members

Present

  • Nolan Lewis - Vocals/Guitar (1998–present)
  • Rohit Chaturvedi - Lead guitar (2006–present)
  • Abbas Razvi - Bass (2026–present)
  • Vishnu Reddy - Drums (2026–present)

Former

  • Ganesh Krishnaswamy - Vocals (1998-2005), Bass (1998-2005, 2013–2021)
  • Akshay 'Axe' Patel - Lead guitar (2001-2006)
  • Jayawant Tewari - Bass (2005-2013)
  • Ching Len - Drums (1998-2000)
  • Ryan Colaco - Drums (2000-2013)
  • Anthony Hoover - Drums (2013–2018)
  • Vijit Singh - Drums (2019–2025)

Touring and sessions members

  • Vasuchandran V.
  • Robin Utbult
  • Deepak Raghu

Timeline

Discography

Studio releases

See also

References

  1. ^ "Kryptos to open for Iron Maiden at Rock in India 2009 | Headbangers India". Archived from the original on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 5 April 2011.
  2. ^ "Kryptos announce 'The Coils Of Apollyon' release date – MetalIndia Magazine". Metalindiamagazine.com. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
  3. ^ "KRYPTOS To Release Afterburner Album In June; Details Revealed". Bravewords.com. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
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