With great pleasure, we present an exclusive interview with Kryuhm, an Italian band active since 1999 and author of “Demoni,” the new album released on May 11, 2025 via Black Widow Records. An intense, dark work rooted in Doom Metal and the so-called Italian Dark Sound, blending classic and modern elements with a strong identity imprint.
We talked directly with them to learn more about the project, the concept of the album, and their musical vision.
Kryuhm was founded in 1999, but the new course begins in 2021. Can you tell us how the band was reborn and what pushed you to restart after a long silence?
“Hi, I’m Daniele Laurenti, founder of Kryuhm.
Kryuhm should be considered a challenge, a dream or a never-ended nightmare. After 26 years, Kryuhm is still here, against all odds that predicted the end of a genre, an idea, a music style that, sure, had ups and downs through time but was never abandoned. The band born in 1999 wasn’t comparable at all to what it has become now… that was the dream of three twenty-year-old guys approaching the music world by emulating their idols at the time… The second phase of Kryuhm can be dated back to 2009 when the arrival of Rossella on bass and a more convinced approach led the band to the verge of recording a debut album and an intense live activity at quality festivals, sharing the stage with renowned bands such as Solstice and Dark Quarterer… then due to work issues came another stop, until 2021, when with firm determination I reformed the band adding a second guitar, Andrea Fracca, Francesco Sterzi on bass and Luca Lucchini on drums. This restart is the result of that desire to bring into an album that story, that band that has been part of my life and had never been able to express itself… that’s how the first Kryuhm album “Only In My Mind” was born.“
How did the title “Demoni” come about and what meaning does it hold for you? Is it a concept tied to personal experiences or a broader reflection?
“Demoni is a concept album that will be released in two parts: DEMONI and DEMONI part 2.
Demoni is a mature album, the most committed work of the band, it speaks about “Demons” from various perspectives and nuances: inner demons, biblical demons, demons from tales of the Filò, demons from legends of our lands… And yes, I can firmly say that Demoni also comes from personal experiences, like “La Casa Tra I Rovi”… the personal research of esoteric, spiritual and historical kind inevitably influenced the writing of the lyrics.“
The lyrics are all in Italian and very carefully written: how important is it for you to use your native language and how much time do you devote to writing the lyrics?
“The lyrics are not all in Italian, there are songs sung in English, Italian, and in one case, French… in the song “Welcome To My Hell”, our tribute to Paul Chain, I use all three. As for the use of our language, it has been a gradual “evolution”… I would say that artistic maturity, research, and the strong bond with our land and our traditions pushed us in this direction.“
The album is strongly connected to the tradition of the Italian Dark Sound but with modern arrangements and Progressive nuances. What are your main influences, both musical and non-musical?
“Among us, there are those who listen to Modern Metal, Extreme Metal, Classic Heavy, those who listen to Prog Rock and Italian Dark Sound (Jacula, Antonius Rex, Black Hole)… personally, I listen to everything, even touching on folk or the pioneering visions of musical geniuses like Franco Battiato or John Zorn… I believe this can be heard on the new work.“
Tracks like “El Ceson di Carpanea” and “Inside the Mirror” display notable stylistic and dynamic variety. How does the songwriting process work within the band?
“The strength of “these” Kryuhm is precisely this, we are a Band in every sense, not one of those many remote projects. Everyone takes part in composing the arrangements in the rehearsal room, everyone brings in riffs, progressions and ideas and that results in what we do.“
“Samhain” and “Silente” represent more solemn and introspective moments on the album. How do you work on building atmospheres and narrative sections?
“The change of these Kryuhm was both conceptual and musical. The arrival of Giampi Tomezzoli brought great experience, taste, research and that dramatic, melancholic sense typical of the Italian Dark Sound. We didn’t want a keyboardist like Jon Lord… we were looking for atmospheres, sensations, and with Tomezzoli we found them. Then we added excellent “Narrators”: Wanita Bayagan, Sandra Silver and Flavio Porrati who knew how to interpret the parts requested in the best way.“
You chose to release the album through Black Widow Records, a historical label in the Italian Dark and Prog scene. How did the collaboration with the label come about?
“I personally sought them out in every possible way, I’m a big collector of LPs and many come from Black Widow Records. I dreamed of bringing Kryuhm to make an album and could only think of Black Widow Records… this is the second album and I believe those initial feelings led us in the right direction.“
The album has a powerful and well-defined sound, with a production that enhances every detail. Where and with whom did you record “Demoni”?
“Demoni was recorded, mixed and mastered at El Nor Studio by Mattia Stancioiu in Milan.“
In my review I mentioned an evolution in your style, while maintaining a strong identity. Do you also feel that you have now found your final direction?
“Absolutely, even though constantly evolving, I find it difficult not to continue down this path, with this style, with these musicians whom I mention again: Daniele Laurenti, Andrea Fracca, Francesco Sterzi, Tino Fracca and Giampi Tomezzoli.
Kryuhm is already working on the second chapter of DEMONI, which will be entirely in Italian.“
What can we expect in the coming months: concerts, videos, other releases?
“We’ll play several important live shows and festivals, as well as dates in theaters and events we organize ourselves like Prophets Of Doom and the Kryuhm Fest. Soon we’ll release the second lyric video from Demoni, which will be ‘La Casa Tra I Rovi.’“
Do you have a message for the international readers of our webzine who are discovering your music for the first time?
“Yes: If You Want Your Place In Hell, Support Kryuhm!! Dark Rock and Dark Sound Made in Italy…“
Thanks for your time and this interesting conversation. While waiting for Kryuhm’s next steps, we invite you to discover “Demoni,” now available via Black Widow Records, whom we thank personally.
Read our Review of the album here: [Review] Kryuhm – Demoni