Cryptopsy - Cryptopsy

Canadian Death Metallers Cryptopsy are back and better than ever with their 'Self-Titled' release, proving that they can still hang with the best in the genre.

From the very start of the opening track 'Two-Pound Torch' you realise that this is going to be an enjoyable ride of technicality and brutal heaviness. This makes me proud and happy to be a Death Metal fan right here and there is nothing boring or stale about this whatsoever. I'm not going to go into their past because if you know about Cryptopsy then chances are you know that they have had an up and down career. From the 1995 release 'None So Vile' which most fans consider an absolute masterpiece of Death Metal, to the controversial 2008 release 'The Unspoken King' which was hated and shat on by fans. Mainly because of the heavy Deathcore influence which is a big no-no for well-established Death Metal bands.

But now it's 2012 and we have an incredible album that delivers everything you tend to look for in a band such as Cryptopsy. Filled with blistering double bass drum rolls and chugging, squealing guitar riffs which you can't help but get right into. The production on this album is crystal clear which is a huge bonus, making the drumming sound sharp and the guitars crisp. There are a lot of crazy technical moments on here, but it just flows so perfectly and it isn't too hard to follow. Cryptopsy take you to school and teach you exactly how a Technical Death Metal album should be made. This album will please long-time fans of the band and also grab the attention of relatively new listeners such as myself. You know you've got a great album when you can listen to each track and want go back to the start because there are so many cool and interesting moments. It has it all, from super-fast and headbangable guitar to oddly timed yet infectiously groovy drumming. I also feel that having only eight tracks is just the right amount; it makes each song more memorable and special. There's no time wasting on here either, by which I mean there's no pointless Intro/Outro or interludes, just 30 minutes of straight up in your face Death Metal.

Every person who enjoys Death Metal needs to listen to this album; it really doesn't get much better than this. I usually find most Tech-Death to be way over the top and confusing to the point of where I can't enjoy myself. But Cryptopsy have created perfection here and it's safe to say that they are well and truly back to reclaim their position as Death Metal kings. After their previous effort which was such a disappointment, it's so good to see them come back stronger than ever. I truly believe this will be a standout release for 2012 and hopefully will make a few other bands in the genre take note.

Standout tracks: Two-Pound Torch, Red Skinned Goat, The Golden Square Mile and Ominous.

8.5/10