Virus is the best Hypocrisy album since Abducted (arguably) or at least since Hypocrisy (definitely). The ten songs follow the classic structure of a Hypocrisy album, with a short intro, a mix of faster tempoed melodic death/thrash burners and beefier mid-tempo churners, finished off with a slower track with clean sung vocals. Virus sees the reintroduction of guitar solos with regrettably mixed success. In fact, the best solo on the record is the guest appearance put in by Exodus axeslinger Gary Holt. Peter Tagtgren and Andreas Holma offer what they call "solos" on a smattering of other tracks, but these are generally two seconds long (literally) and consist of a quick handful of notes delivered in a very uninterresting progression. They can only be considered solos because they do not follow the melody, which would make them harmonies. That said, "Warpath", "Scrutinized", and "Compulsive Psychosis" are among the bands best tracks ever. The mid-paced melodic tracks like "Fearless", "Let the Knife Do the Talking", and "Incised Before I've Ceased" are broken up by faster Florida-style death metal hybrids like "Craving for Another Killing", and "Blooddrenched". The only throwaway track is "A Thousand Lies", which is the slowest song on the disc nested between two long mid-paced songs, slowing the whole energy and making the middle of the disc pretty weak. Otherwise, though, Virus starts strong and ends strong. Peter Tagtgren's skill as a songwriter is not to be challenged. The album sees the band taking on a slightly more thrash influenced sound than preceding albums without losing the melodic edge they've become famous for. The vocals are as good as they've ever been and Horgh (ex-Immortal) joins the band on drums, putting in the best performance of any Hypocrisy album behind the skins. They add a much needed energy to a CD that otherwise would sound like dated pop metal. My only real complaint is the same as it has been with this band all along. The whole thing seems too controlled, for though there are some faster songs to break up the monotony, the band never allow themselves to go totally balistic. Even the faster songs feel restrained, possibly because of the production, which is too clean, as usual. For me, the heyday of Hypocrisy was The Fourth Dimension and Abducted. Everything after that is stale, especially their very popular and overrated self titled album. I rate this disc so high because of the great song writing, their ability to break up the pace, and the awesome solo by Gary Holt. Those who wanted Hypocrisy to evolve into something a little more authentic and incorporative of all their elements, wait for the next one. Those that drool themselves stupid over the bands mid-paced melodic soup, buy with confidence, but expect this one to be a little heavier than you're used to.Read full review
I went to a Nile concert, and thats where I heard Hypocrisy for the first time, these guys can stir up a mean pit and quick. If your a metal head Hypocrisy is a must have!
Hypocrisy is the best Alien metal ! Hypocrisy is the best Alien metal ! Hypocrisy is the best Alien metal !
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in CDs
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on CDs