Kiritsis formed in Indianapolis in 2024 and got straight to work, writing and recording their debut, self-titled album, which you can listen to below. Kiritsis is lean, mean and focused, bashing through eight songs in half an hour, taking the band’s doom, sludge and hardcore influences and rolling them together into one heavy wrecking ball.
“When we formed, we weren’t going for any particular sound,” guitarist Eric Mason tells Decibel. “Crowbar has always been one of our favorites, and we wanted something sludgy that would make you stick your chin out in your best ‘tough guy’ face and nod your head. Problem is, you can’t just write Crowbar riffs because they are unique, so I think other influences like Entombed and even Carcass helped dilute that while still paying homage. I do feel like there is an Atlanta influence as we are fans of Mastodon, Withered and Neurosis. But there is no real goal to sound like anything particular. Nothing fancy, no solos, just driving, catchy, heavy riffs.”
As for the lyrics on Kiritsis’ debut, vocalist Bake Henry subscribes to a simple philosophy: life is hard, so be harder.
“I guess you could say that there is a theme to this record,” Henry explains. “It’s about struggle, anxiety and standing your ground. It’s about trying to stay alive, and remembering those who we’ve lost. It’s also about not putting up with bullshit from garbage people that don’t respect humanity and all walks of life. Hateful wimps and posers can leave the hall and kick bricks. We ain’t here for it. In summary, smoke weed and eat the rich.”
Kiritsis is out on April 4 via Wise Blood Records, but you can hear it now.
