It was in 2019 (I believe) that I somehow came across the Japanese Hardcore Death Metal band Kruelty and instantly became obsessed in a way where I wanted to collect all the pressings of every release. I still don’t have everything, but I do have many of their cassettes, CD, and vinyl (list of what I need at the bottom). Needless to say, I was geeked when they announced their North American tour earlier this year and their stop in Cleveland on July 12th at The Foundry with SANGUISUGABOGG would be the perfect show for me to travel to from Detroit.
Before this tour started, the band announced their original lead singer Tatami quit the band as their schedule and the popularity of the band were becoming too serious and he no longer wanted to do it. However, the band’s guitarist Zuma instantly step up and will also assume vocal duties for now on.
For most bands, the lost of your vocalist just before an important tour would be a deadly blow, but not for Kruelty. As a band that is still relatively young (formed in 2017), that are still trying to figure out their shit in that way to also lose their longtime vocalist, they were quite amazing live and a band that frequently could be a show stealer.
Kruelty released their second full-length album Untopia back in March 2023 via Profound Lore Records to great acclaim. Their live show only heightens the heaviness of their albums winning over new fans who may have also broken their noses in the pit. My first experience with Kruely live, taking the photos below while dodging the flying bodies in the mosh pit, was everything I hope it would be and more!
Stay tuned to Kruelty at instagram.com/krueltyjphc
ALL PHOTOS TAKEN BY KELLY “K-FRESH” FRAZIER.
PLEASE LINK BACK TO THIS PAGE IF YOU POST ANY PHOTOS.
Also, at the Kruelty merch table, I bought these pair of earrings made by the band’s bassist SE7. They are very cute and I’ll probably put them on a necklace and wear them as a charm. Check out more of her jewelry on Instagram at @chama_accessory
Also, I’m looking for the following Kruelty physical pressings. If you have any of these you would like to give to me or sell to me a good price, email me at djkfresh@gmail.com
A Dying Truth (UK Cassette – Nuclear Family/Dead Sky)
A Dying Truth (Japan Cassette – Dead Sky)
Phøbia EP (self released CD)
Eternal Existence EP (self released CD)
Introduction To… (Japan Cassette – Daymare Recordings)
Immortal Nightmare (UK Cassette – The Coming Strife Records)
Promo 2021 (self released Cassette Japan)
Five Years Of Blasphemy… Full Discography (UK Cassette – Nuclear Family)
Depressive Hardcore EP (self released CD Japan)
Moment Of Truth / Kruelty – The Beginning To The End (CD Japan – Dead Sky)
Moment Of Truth / Kruelty – The Beginning To The End (USA Cassette – Arduous Path Recordings)