Cryptopsy is a group that we've mentioned and praised a few times...and rightfully so. The band has gone on from their inception over thirty years ago to the date and truly created an international impact with shifting influences and assorted and tastefully blasphemous messages. The Canadian death metalheads have released seven full lengths in addition to touring around the world. Most recently, Cryptopsy has returned to the limelight with part II of their new EP titled The Book of Suffering.
The Book of Suffering - Tome II sees its release today, available on multiple listening formats. While brief, the four song effort also brings about a continuation to their 2015 release (three years ago to the date) that speaks of themes linked to gore and utter destruction. It's undeniably the same Cryptopsy we've all grown to appreciate.
The EP opens with 'The Wretched Living', which sets the tone for the rest of this release. The listener is met with the chaotically swift riffing style and signature bass lines we've come to know and love. True to form, this one really lightning fast and all over the place: and that's partly why I enjoy it so much. The song just doesn't give a damn and goes all out on the brutal scale throughout. The back and forth riffs, insane double bass blasts, and in-your-face gutturals assault your hearing senses from start to finish. Later on, though, there is a bit more substance in the form of chromatic slam-esque riffs...but, in general, this is more of a stupidly fast and over-the-top death metal song. One thing I really need to mention is the grandiose bass style. This factor really adds a nice feel to the overall chaotic atmosphere. '
'Sire of Sin', while yet another lightning fast track, holds a bit more structure than its predecessor. However, the song is full of surprises such as greater vocal variety, some really out there riffing madness from both guitar and bass fronts, and arguably one of my fave outros. I also really enjoyed the latter two songs on the EP for their bass lines that clash with the dissonant guitars, as well as for taking a slightly more melodic route. I just wish there were more of those tasty highs here and there. Also, 'The Laws of the Flesh' is a song that really delivers on the instrumental front, even possessing some guitar solo action later on.
All in all, this little number really does showcase some noteworthy and brutally memorable songs. The EP is quick as hell and only requires 17 or so minutes of your time to spare. If you were a fan of the first edition, then you're more than likely to come out of this one pleased with the results. While there isn't a whole lot to say about this release in the end (aside from saying the same things we've said about other Cryptopsy material), I'd like to think that the music speaks for itself.
Fave Tracks: 'The Wretched Living', 'The Laws of the Flesh'
For Fans Of: Aborted, Gorguts
**This release is available now here!**
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-Review by: Dave Raffy
Musician, reviewer, fan & promoter
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