Cryptopsy is undoubtedly one of those bands that try their fans fidelity every now and then. On ONCE WAS NOT they underwent another transformation, this time into more experimental, jazz-fusion influenced (and still very technical) grind/death metal band. I must admit it was a very welcome change, as I'm not a huge fan of either BLASPHEMY MADE FLESH/NONE SO VILE era, or even less WHISPER SUPREMACY/AND THEN YOU'LL BEG one, with terrible vocals by Mike DiSalvo.
The album is produced in a modern but a bit odd way and while I really like it, I think it's an acquired taste. The drums are very high in the mix - just behind vocals - with strong, punching bass drum and very organic snare drum and cymbals. Bass and guitars are kind of hidden so during blast beats they tend to be a bit drowned out... but still, I think a perfect balance between organic, brutal sound and selectivity has been achieved here. Cryptopsy presents here some of the most unrestrained songwriting ever heard in deathgrind. The record is pervaded with an atmosphere reminiscent of a surreal trip through cold, post-apocalyptic world where horror and comedy merge into one grotesque amalgam. With the use of jazz-fusion-inspired riffs and clever industrial undertones, the band managed to create nine well-flowing, brutal, wild and unpredictable compositions. The stuff Flo Mounier's doing with his drum-kit is just beyond belief. Brutal, well flowing and jazz influenced drumming combined with painfully technical and jazzy axe-craft from Alex Auburn make this album a compelling experience. However, combined with rasping and unintelligible yapping by Lord Worm, the music takes on a whole new dimension. It's weirdly organic and surprisingly technical. I'd even say it's scary and oh yes, it's absolutely fantastic!
That's a bold album by Cryptopsy and I think one of the most interesting death metal efforts out there. Despite being a little bit inconsistent, it still has an uncanny atmosphere and most of all, it boasts some of the most well-flowing brutal death metal. If you're looking for a different approach to death metal without sacrificing brutality, this album is for you.
