30 years of brutality – live and photo report from Cryptopsy’s show in Krakow

Bathed in a heatwave in southern Poland, Canadian legends Cryptopsy embarked on their only concert in the country, following their performance at Dortmund Deathfest the previous day. They were celebrating the 30th anniversary of their acclaimed album, “Non So Vile”, considered one of the best—and most influential—albums in the history of brutal death metal. Joining Cryptopsy were the acclaimed Terror. Scott Vogel’s band, also considered legends in their genre, would provide a stark contrast to the night, which drew the hardcore crowd from the Polish scene. Last but not least, Vulvodynia would be playing their second concert during their brief European tour, which also marked the debut of their new vocalist, Maya Pobst. The American singer has finally been selected to replace the temporary Lwandile Prusent, who returns to his role as guitarist alongside Kris Xenopoulos and Luke Haarhoff, after online auditions were held following the controversial dismissal of their previous vocalist.

What Krakow knew that night was that they were in for a night of noise and madness, delivered by three distinct genres: Brutal Death Metal, Hardcore, and Deathcore.

Opening a new chapter

Vulvodynia opened the Hype Park stage, where more than 900 people were gathered to witness a full set from the band. The set included classics like “Psychosadistic Design“, “King Emesis“, “Nyaope“, or “A Cosmic Betrayal“, as well as tracks from their most recent album, “Entabeni”, and a song from their yet-to-be-announced new album. Pobst’s vocals truly impressed the audience, showcasing an incredible vocal range that won over the crowd. The performance also marked one of the first European appearances of new vocalist Maya Pobst, who made an immediate impact. Delivering everything from guttural lows to piercing highs with remarkable confidence, Pobst proved herself a worthy addition to the band, quickly winning over the Kraków audience. With the three-guitar attack of Luke Haarhoff, Kris Xenopoulos and returning guitarist Lwandile Prusent complemented by the band’s trademark technical precision, Vulvodynia marked a statement writing the start of their new era.

Some NY violence to warm up Hype Park

Now was the turn of Terror to take over the stage, and the atmosphere shifted instantly. If Vulvodynia had warmed up the crowd, Scott Vogel and company ignited it. From the opening notes, Hype Park was transformed into a sea of flying bodies, relentless two-stepping, and massive circle pits, proving once again why Terror remain one of the most respected names in hardcore more than two decades into their career. With Vogel’s trademark commanding presence and constant interaction with the audience, the band delivered a set packed with classics such as “One With the Underdogs“, “Keep Your Mouth Shut“, “Spit My Rage“, and “Always the Hard Way“. The band from New York got the crowd more than prepared for what was coming from the headliners.

Keeping the legend alive

After Terror’s relentless performance, anticipation reached its peak for the evening’s headliners. Thirty years after its release, “None So Vile” remains one of the most influential records ever written in extreme metal, and Cryptopsy were about to prove exactly why. The Canadian veterans wasted no time, opening with the iconic “Crown of Horns” before diving headfirst into a celebration of the landmark album. From the very first blast beat, Flo Mounier – The only remaining original member – demonstrated why he is still regarded as one of death metal’s greatest drummers, with his seemingly effortless speed and precision provided the backbone for an absolutely crushing performance, while Matt McGachy’s commanding vocals breathed new life into Lord Worm’s legendary material without sacrificing any of its brutality. Christian Donaldson’s razor-sharp guitar work and Olivier Pinard’s thunderous bass completed a performance that sounded every bit as ferocious as fans had hoped.

Playing “None So Vile” almost in its entirety, with staples including “Slit Your Guts“, “Graves of the Fathers“, and “Phobophile“, Cryptopsy reminded everyone why the album has influenced countless brutal death metal bands over the last three decades. The crowd responded with non-stop moshing from start to finish, creating one of the most intense pits Kraków has witnessed this year.

Three bands. Three different approaches to heavy music. One unforgettable evening. From Vulvodynia‘s modern deathcore brutality, through Terror‘s uncompromising hardcore assault, to Cryptopsy‘s timeless technical savagery, Hype Park became the meeting point for three passionate scenes united by the same love for extreme music. “None So Vile”‘s enduring legacy is alive than ever, and that was proven by the community that continues to keep heavy music alive.

Cryptopsy

Terror

Vulvodynia