Cryptopsy, bloody Cryptopsy! Who doesn’t know Cryptopsy?! What lunatic doesn’t know Cryptopsy?!?! Exactly, somebody who has had their head up their ass for a long time! What started out with ‘Blasphemy Made Flesh’, exposed them with ‘None So Vile’, kicked them to the top with ‘Whisper Supremacy’, and confirmed their cult status with ‘…And Then You’ll Beg’. Four killer albums, each showing a more whacked-out Cryptopsy.
It’s been a decade now since their first release ‘Ungentle Exhumation’, and what better way to celebrate this deadly fact than with their first official live album. This one was recorded in Montreal, Canada, which would explain all the French conversations between some songs. I’ve been a viewer at some of their shows already, both festivals and venues, and I already know that what these five sickos play on their album can also be translated into a tight and whirlwind live show, but it remains an eargasm to hear what kind of musical over-the-top insanity they can deliver.
All four albums come into play on this live recording. They are all played somewhat faster than on the original recordings, yet they retain that same tightness. It’s almost as if they played the actual record in a venue, it’s that good, precise, and tight! Some songs also start off with their official album intros, which sounds pretty cool. Something very cool on this release is the drum solo, in between the song ‘Graves Of The Fathers’, by Mr Flo Mounier. It’s unbelievable what this freak can do with his kit, serving as an example for all drummers who want to play at a high, fast, and technical level. You’ve got to hear this, man!
The production of the record is rather good, and every time I replayed the album, I found the sound quality almost improving. Everything is clearly audible and well balanced in the mix, though maybe the bass could have used a bit more power, but that’s just me bitching.
Musical insanity at its peak! Definitely a brilliant Death Metal live album that fans would want to own and which serves as proper proof of Cryptopsy’s actual skills, proving they don’t need 40 takes to get it right. If you like Cryptopsy, and if you like powerful, tight live albums with a great sound, then I suggest you get your ass to the shop on May 19th, but damn it, I also want a new studio recording, guys!
