{"id":425652,"date":"2026-02-14T16:51:09","date_gmt":"2026-02-14T16:51:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/425652\/"},"modified":"2026-02-14T16:51:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-14T16:51:09","slug":"review-krateros-lost-in-translation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/425652\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Krateros – Lost in Translation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Published by Noor<\/a> on February 14, 2026February 14, 2026<\/p>\n

\"\"Artwork By: All4band Design<\/a><\/p>\n

Style: Thrash Metal, Progressive Metal, Power Metal (Mixed Vocals)
Recommended for fans of: Exodus, Megadeth, Trivium, Machine Head
Country: Finland
Release date: 30 January 2026<\/p>\n

My introduction to thrash metal was quite memorable. One of my first metal concerts was a co-headliner with Fit For An Autopsy and Exodus, and I was there to see the former1<\/a>. Between bands, I struck up a conversation with an older gentleman who stood next to me in the pit. He told me he\u2019d been listening to Exodus since the 80s and that he often followed them on tours; meanwhile, I had only learned about them hours before. Once Exodus took the stage, I saw his eyes light up like a kid in a candy store, and I knew I was in for something special\u2014whether it was the band\u2019s performance of \u201cThe Toxic Waltz\u201d or the older man\u2019s joints working smoothly in the pit, I still haven\u2019t decided. What stuck with me, however, is that younger people like me are continually making an effort to appreciate these experiences and build on the foundation of metal laid by giants like Exodus and Megadeth.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This brings us to the bright and upcoming Krateros. Hailing from Finland and taking inspiration from the rudimentary metal acts, the young power trio recently gifted their debut EP Lost in Translation to the world. Listening to a debut work is exciting; one gets to parse the band\u2019s influences, style, and quality. Although Lost in Translation only clocks in at about twenty minutes, it is a well-done, promising twenty minutes. The EP features a meticulous blend of thrash and progressive metal elements that clearly draw on Metallica, Trivium, Genesis, and other established bands. With sonic help from their inspirations, Krateros create a piece of music that shows the signs of an eager, budding metal band.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Aside from a few decently proggy sections (\u201cUticensis\u201d being a highlight), Lost in Translation largely borrows from the music of the more conventional metal greats, like Metallica and Testament. Such a compositional choice can be a safe option; what\u2019s worked in the past must work now, right? While it serves as their foundation, Krateros go the extra mile to build on said foundation in a way that\u2019s unique enough not to sound derivative. \u201cLinguicide\u201d showcases this ability well, bursting with a proper thrash riff that develops in the track alongside a mixed vocal line and some relatively progressive-metal-inspired drumming. Shredding guitar solos borrowed from the power metal world then shine through after a heavy chorus. \u201cLinguicide\u201d has a tight song structure and is a solid example of Krateros\u2019s ability to revamp already existing musical ideas.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Saku Rekonen, who takes guitar and vocal duties, showcases his clean vocals in the opening of \u201cLinguicide\u201d. His voice here is full and confident; in the context of the EP\u2019s 80s production style, his cleans fit the exposed thrash metal vocal sound. The vocals on the latter half of Lost in Translation become rougher, however, and not just in style. The vintage production cannot hide the intermediacy of Rekonen\u2019s growls. For some, this may add to the nostalgic feel of Lost in Translation. As for myself, I believe that a few vocal lessons will take Rekonen from a bedroom vocalist to one who can entertain a large audience.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

A majority of the tracks in Lost in Translation feel thrash first, progressive second. \u201cThe Performer\u201d, one of the less inspired tracks on the album, has all the makings of a traditional thrash track, but little else to offer: catchy up-tempo riffing with syncopated beats, followed by a series of highs and growls from Rekonen. The thing is, even if \u201cThe Performer\u201d isn\u2019t groundbreaking, it\u2019d be challenging to find a thrash fan who wouldn\u2019t at least enjoy parts of the track. And for fans of progressive music first, thrash second, \u201cUticensis\u201d opens with a rhythmic riff that grooves. The drumming by Touko Kaihola drives \u201cUticensis\u201d with a seamless blend of straight shuffles and off-beat grooves. And, dare I say, it sounds like Kaihola even added a pinch of djent into the otherwise high-tempo track. With this impressive drum line, \u201cUticensis\u201d stands out as a star track among others.<\/p>\n

Lost in Translation ultimately sounds like a love letter to the bands that inspired Krateros\u2018s members in their youth. Krateros\u2018s meticulous songwriting makes these inspirations sound purposeful. Lost in Translation is the product of new-age metalheads who want to keep the spirit of old-school metal alive with fresh twists. It\u2019s solid work for a debut; there are obvious growing pains, but the care Krateros has for their project shows a promising future. The songwriting torch is being passed down from older metalheads to younger ones, and bands like Krateros show they can be trusted to hold it high in an ever-changing musical landscape.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Recommended tracks: Linguicide, Uticensis, Comatose Waltz
You may also like: Transilience, Watchtower<\/a>, Hesken<\/a>, Exx\u00fbl<\/a>
Final verdict: 6\/10<\/p>\n

Related links: Bandcamp<\/a> | Facebook<\/a> | Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n

Label: Inverse Records<\/a><\/p>\n

Krateros is:
\u2013 Saku Rekonen (Vocals & Guitar)
\u2013 Roni Helminen (Bass & Backing vocals)
\u2013 Touko Kaihola (Drums)
With guests:
\u2013 J\u00f3d\u00eds Rannveigard\u00f3ttir (Backing Vocals)<\/p>\n

\n\tRelated\n<\/p>\n