Cryptopsy's latest release is an EP that is the first in a line of a series to be titled The Book of Suffering, and with just four tracks it's a brief yet effective beginning for what should be an exciting time for the technical death metal veterans. We all know about the storied history of Cryptopsy, with None So Vile still beloved among extreme metal fans as well as some of their more recent fare the polar opposite. That is, with the exception of their self-titled album from a few years ago, which was a true return to form and saw vocalist Matt McGachy finally seeming to settle into his role. As with any release from this band, at the center of it all is the amazing drum work of Flo Mournier, who pummels his way through energetic, brutal numbers like "Detritus (The One They Kept)" and "Halothane Glow", complete with tumultuous riffing from Chris Donaldson, Oliver Pinard's sinewy bass grooves, and McGachy's relentless assault of screams, growls, bellows, and grunts. "The Knife, The Head and What Remains" is a must hear for tech-death fans, and "Framed by Blood" squeezes as many crushing riffs, manic blast beats, and blazing guitar solos as you possibly can into a 4-minute frame.
Though short, The Book of Suffering-Tome 1 is a very solid start to what should be a killer series of EPs from Cryptopsy. Hold your breath for Tome 2!
Track Listing
1) Detritus (The One They Kept)
2) The Knife, The Head and What Remains
3) Halothane Glow
4) Framed in Blood