By: Anders

Posted: Aug 27, 2005

When Tägtgren and company say they're back in business, they for sure mean it. Now, 1 and a half year since the release of the last album "The Arrival", Hypocrisy is ready with their new effort "Virus". Marking a more or less reborn band, with Horgh behind the drums and a more direct and "pissed off" approach” than heard in a long time.

This time the music is an aggressive and hard hitting blend of heavy and in your face death metal, with thundering double bass drumming, furious riffs, melodic solos and enchanting melodies. There are used a great deal of bombastic keyboard parts and electronic "disturbing" elements once in a while, which adds a nice and mysterious touch to the dark atmosphere.

The compositions are both direct and epic, there are many direct riffs, and many melodies. Quite a bit of fast parts, and some blast beats, and just as many slow and midtempo parts. The growls from Peter Tägtgren are direct at times and at other times a melodic scream. Variation is a very good description for the material on "Virus". Again a very well mixed death metal album from Hypocrisy, using elements from their glorious past. Though the album is somewhat a lot faster once in a while, compared to what the band has done in the past.

For starters check out tracks like 'Warpath', 'Fearless' and 'Blooddrenched', 3 tracks giving a good indication of what the album are about, and a hint of the variation and atmospheres on "Virus". It is once again a great album the band has made, and it seems like they are taking it a bit further each time, without forgetting the roots, the brutality or the atmosphere. It is impressive how they can keep up the creativity and create so much new material, without making it sound rehashed, that demands respect, especially when an album turns out as great, catchy and leaves such an impact on the listener like this one. So look forward to the 19th of September, when this album hits the shelves at your record-dealer.

Rating: 9/10

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