Swedish death metal band Hypocrisy's newest album is by far one of the best metal records I have ever heard. The renaissance man of Gothenburg death metal, Peter Tagtgren, delivers us probably the best Hypocrisy album to date. Also, Virus being the first hit album by Hypocrisy since their self-titled release in 1999. Never failing to deliver an awesome riff or impressive guitar solo (which this CD is full of), it is amazing this album was recorded just a little over a year after Hypocrisy's 2004 release The Arrival.
XVI is the beginning track to this CD, but is nothing more then a 16 second intro to the next song, War-Path. (N/R)
War-Path begins with crushing riffs and heavy drum work followed soon after by Peter Tagtgren menacing growls. The apocalyptic atmosphere surronding the song makes it a great track by Hypocrisy standards. It is a perfect first (actual) track to this album. (5/5)
Scrutinized was the first song I heard off of this album. Beginning with a slightly heavier riff then War-Path, and yet it doesn't let a single second light up. Definitely one of the highlights to the album. (4.5/5)
Fearless is probably my favorite song on this album next to the last track, Living To Die. Starting off with a riff similar to War-Path, the guitar work is slightly more melodic. Lyrically this song also doesn't fail to impress, going back to Hypocrisy's older style of hate and vengeance. (5/5)
Craving For Another Killing, is a very diffrent song form the rest of the album. Th riffs sound a little off color, but in a good way, and Peter Tagtgren uses a very fitting rap growl, but with that grisly death metal feel he always has in his vocals. The track is weaker then the other tracks on the album, and took awhile to grow on me, but is still a solid track by Hypocrisy standards. (4/5)
Let The Knife Do The Talking is another great song that dives back into Hypocrisy's past as far as lyrics go, being very satanical and hateful. Still a very good track, and another highlight off this album. Also contains some of the bests riffs on the album. (5/5)
A Thousand Lies starts off with very calm, quiet, and melodic guitar work, but blasts into a fury of riffs seconds later. Although a very good track, this song is similar to War-Path vocally and the riffs are nothing too special. Still a decent song though. (4.5/5)
Incised Before I've Ceased is a great song musically, lyrically, and vocally. Probably my third favorite on this album. With very distinct guitar riffs, and awesome vocal work on the chorus, this song is yet another highlight on this album. (5/5)
Blooddrenched has some good riffs, and really intresting and catchy vocal work, with lyrics that remind me so much of Cannibal Corpse. This song is just another example of how twisted the mind of vocalist Peter Tagtren is. (4.5/5)
Compulsive Psychosis is another musically impressive song, but gets a little boring, which is not like most of the other tracks. Still a descent song, but we all know Hypocrisy could do better. The only thing it really needs is more presence in the vocals. (4/5)
Living To Die is the apocalyptic track on this album. Starting off slowly, this song suddenly bursts into an atmospheric guitar riff. Peter Tagtgren then comes in with a more of chanting voice then his normal growl. As the chorus kicks in, it is suddenly revealed how well Peter Tagtgren can actually sing, giving a very apocalyptic feel as his voice and the music create a since of inferiority. (5/5)
Thus, with probably one of the greatest melodic death metal songs of this generation, this album comes to a very profound end. Highly recommended for any fans of In Flames, Opeth, Obituary, Darkane, and Dimmu Borgir. Overall Album Rating: (4.9/5)
