The Crypt

Within the Swedish heavy metal community, Leif Edling is revered as one of its most prolific
songwriters. Alongside his renowned work with Candlemass, he has also spearheaded projects
like Krux and Avatarium, showcasing his enduring creativity. When news broke of his direct
involvement in yet another band, speculation soon ran rampant within the community.
That band is The Crypt, based out of Stockholm, Sweden.
With a concept centered around a metal priestess, The Crypt’s debut album delves into themes
of darkness, death, and the undead, echoing the vibes of 1970s gothic and occult bands such
as Coven, Blue Öyster Cult, Black Sabbath, and Pentagram. Recorded with top-tier Swedish
musicians under the guidance of producer Marcus Jidell, the album effortlessly combines dark
atmospheres with catchy melodies and powerful riffs, reminiscent of rock’s most golden era.
The band introduced themselves to the world with the release of their first single and video,
“Into the Crypt,” back in 2021. This track, featuring Pepper’s captivating vocals and Edling’s
signature sonic brutality, quickly gained traction within the rock community, setting the stage
for The Crypt’s emergence.
However, the pandemic hindered the band’s ability to perform live or engage in further
activities. As conditions improved, The Crypt reemerged with a new solid line-up behind
Pepper, including Danne McKenzie on drums, Dave McKenzie on guitars, Floke on
keyboards, and Rigor Mortimer on bass.


The band’s previous live performances in Stockholm has already garnered a dedicated
fanbase. As a live presence, Pepper’s enigmatic Metal Priestess character is outer-worldly,
with her background in both the metal scene as well as the burlesque world enhancing her
extravagant performances. Never shy for theatrics, her shows are always memorable and
visually stunning to accompany the band’s music.
In May of 2024 The Crypt is set to release their debut album via Metal Department,
preceded by the release of a 2nd single and video, the anthemic “I Love The Darkness.”
The band’s upcoming live schedule includes performances at events like the Silja Rock cruise
in Finland and a series of dates across Sweden in support of the album.
Looking further ahead, The Crypt plans to unveil more new tracks during 2024.
In an era where truly innovative metal bands are rare, The Crypt stands out as a refreshing
discovery, promising an exhilarating journey for metal enthusiasts everywhere.