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Let me perhaps be the first to say it, but what the hell is wrong with all of these reviewers out there? Before getting my copy of "Virus" I saw review after review claiming that Hypocrisy had not put out an interesting album since 1999. Have these people even listened to "Into the Abyss" or the masterful "The Arrival"? I have my doubts. Contrary to all the newest album ass-kissers out there, "Virus" is not superior to its predecessor. It is not equal thereto, just slightly, but still excellent. "The Arrival" was everything Hypocrisy should have been and a self-admitted return to form by Mr. Peter Tägtgren himself. That being said, shall we proceed to the latest and greatest? With aplomb, my good sir....
After a disposable introductory track not so cleverly named "Intro" the viral infection begins with "Warpath" -- a veritable Black Metal assault, replete with keyboards. This is an exercise in flat out speed abetted by Horgh's killer drumming. "Scrutinized" sounds like "The Arrival" meets Mercyful Fate and boasts a blazing lead from Gary Holt of Exodus. "Fearless" treads the familiar and now classic, mid-paced Hypocrisy while "Craving for Another Killing" sounds at times like it could be a Bloodbath outtake. This song also recalls "Penetralia"-era Hypocrisy with a melodic lead that almost sounds borrowed. "Let the Knife do the Talking" employs a cyclical melancholic riff that alternates with brutal secondary riffing. The bass notably stands out on this track and the touch of Bloodbath is felt yet again.
"A Thousand Lies" opens with clean guitar and a distinct bass line and the spoken vocals (and lyrics, even) invoke The Haunted. The brutality matched by calm passages is signature Hypocrisy and the great dynamics are coupled with beautifully fluid leads. "Incised Before I've Ceased" offers more mid-paced (or even slower) madness with a chugging riff and pounding percussion. Vocals recall the band's softer moments and a Beethoven-inspired neo-classical romp intrudes on the song's mid-section. Long, haunting lead tones float above the riffage and Horgh renders all drummers obsolete (his bass drum roll in the closing passage is amazing). The staccato, quasi-Thrash riffing of "Blooddrenched" is mated to crushing drums, ultra-guttural vocals, and spiraling leads. Killer.
On "Compulsive Psychosis" Poland's mighty Behemoth are invoked through the use of a permeating and Oriental sounding theme itself popularized by Nile and perhaps Morbid Angel before them. The penultimate track also contains a great lead that is vintage, signature Tägtgren. Album closer "Living to Die" recalls Peter's obsession with Pink Floyd, this time mixed with Misery Loves Co., at least in terms of vocal progression and the electronic vibe leading into this song. Some may claim this to be ill-fitting but I maintain it to be a great end to the record. Yes, clean singing is present -- more melodic than ever before -- but this song rules.
Overall "Virus" finds Hypocrisy more varied than on prior albums. This may be due to Peter allowing others to contribute more than before, but whatever the case, "Virus" works very well and Hypocrisy now sounds more like an actual band. Kudos to these killers on Hypocrisy's 10th full length studio album (and 16th release). Buy it. NOW.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Intro |
| 2. Warpath |
| 3. Scrutinized |
| 4. Fearless |
| 5. Craving For Another Killing |
| 6. Let The Knife Do The Talking |
| 7. A Thousand Lies |
| 8. Incised Before I've Ceased |
| 9. Blooddrenched |
| 10. Compulsive Psychosis |
| 11. Living To Die |
: 44.27
| Buy other Hypocrisy albums |
