CRYPTOPSY — As Gomorrah Burns
Rating: 9/10
Review by Jim Harrison
Montreal based technical death metal trail blazers, Cryptopsy is set to release their new album, As Gomorrah Burns via Nuclear Blast Records on September 8, 2023.
This is their eighth full length album with their last album, self titled Cryptopsy that was independently released in 2012 with two EP’s, The Book of Suffering -Tome I and II released in 2015 and 2018 respectively.
This talented quartet has created a bone crushing work of art that gives you the feel that this is a labor of love and what comes through in this album is exactly that. Founding member and drummer Flo Mounier, guitarist Christian Donaldson, vocalists Matt McGachy and bassist Oliver “Oli” Picard are a tight unit that produce a darker sound that is full of many groove based riffs throughout that makes this a sound that really delivers in 2023.
The cover art by Italian artist Paolo Girardi who has worked with other bands such as Power Trip and Temple of the Void gives you an insight of what you are in for, a powerful dark musical experience.
From the first track, the assault of “Lascivious Undivine” gives early insight that even though it’s been a few years since their last album this band is primed and ready. McGachy’s dark vocals sends you into death metal euphoria. The second track “In Abeyance “ is one of the two early releases. This song really showcases the speed of the guitars, drums and bass and was a smart pick for an early release.
“Godless Deceiver” is my favourite song it’s speed and heaviness gives you the feeling that this would be a great track live and the vocals are strong. Halfway through the song the drums speed up changing the momentum slowing down for the guitar solo producing a heavy groove.
“III Ender” is another track that has a cool groove to it. Donaldson’s guitar riffs sets this song off on a dark journey really showcasing McGachys vocals.
“Flayed the Swine” is the second of the two early releases and the video is fantastic. This is done like a movie that would give any horror buff nightmares. The song is fast and would be a fan favourite at a live show.
“The Righteous Lost” has a killer drum and guitar intro plus a superb baseline which really brings out how heavy this song is. This is another favourite of mine on this album.
“Obeisant” sounds like a machine gun going off, fast and heavy. The last track “Praise the Filth” is the longest song on the album and finishes it off in style. That pounding drum and bass beat plus the crushing guitar really beat you up. The vocals finish you off in death metal frenzy.
It’s really something special when a thirty plus years active band comes out with new material that blows the lid off this metal genre. Any metal fan looking for a heavy, extreme sound that is musically tight with superb vocals, this is for you. I recommend picking this up and playing it at eleven.
Flo Mounier Drums
Christian Donaldson Guitarist
Matt McGachy Vocals
Oliver “Oli” Picard Bass