Artist: Hypocrisy
Label: Nuclear Blast Records
Release Date: 9/20/05
Abyss's Review:
I must admit that I was under the impression that this band’s best days were well behind them. While their last album, The Arrival, made up for the disappointment that was Catch 22 to some extent, it came up short with respect to this band’s impressive catalogue. No excuses need to be made for Virus, Hypocrisy are back atop the European death metal heap -so stand up, pay attention, and show some fucking respect.
"One word review: Infectious." Virus is Hypocrisy’s best album since Abducted, and in my weaker moments, I find myself debating whether I like it more. One thing’s for sure, it has everything I want in an album from Peter & Co., and it is a compelling and consistent listen from start to finish. Song after song are scream along anthems that remain ugly and heavy despite the fact that they are so easy to listen to. Hypocrisy are the kings at making ‘melodic’ death metal that has no real melody. This is the disturbed cousin of the present Gothenburg scene, related in its catchiness, but far removed when it comes to disposition. This animal not only has fangs, but bite.
Peter’s vocals are more guttural than they were in the past, perhaps a residual effect due to his stint in Bloodbath, and the production is a triumph (duh). He’s presented the classic Hypocrisy sound, which shows that you can have clear production while refraining from sounding polished. The combination of songwriting and production results in a thick sound that sounds richer than the sum of its parts. This album is a clinic with regard to craft and texture, and if it were a pop album it would be full of ‘singles.’ “Let The Knife Do The Talking,” “A Thousand Lies,” “Fearless,” “Compulsive Psychosis,” the list goes on... Every song on this record could be considered the new “Roswell 47,” depending on the listener.
Hypocrisy have come out with one of the best albums of the year, hands down. One word review: Infectious.
Death's Review:
Peter Tagtgren (the "Godfather of Gothenburg") and Hypocrisy storm back with one of their finest albums to date -- the aptly-monikered Virus. Returning members Tagtgren (vox and guitats) are joined by ex-Immortal/Grimfist drummer Horgh and Andreas Holma (guitar). The resulting product should leave no doubt that Hypocrisy have come full circle with their sound and have returned to the alien-infused madness of pure Swedish death metal with full force. Capturing a similar balance of heaviness, melodic guitar lines, ferocity and catchiness of past classics such as 1994's The Fourth Dimension, 1996's Abducted, and 1997's The Final Chapter, Virus picks up where 2003's excellent The Arrival left off, only speedier, heavier and better overall.
"Hypocrisy storm back with one of their finest albums to date." So for those of you who were turned off to Hypocrisy after their initial return in the late 90's and early 00's, but who are looking for more material in the vein of the classic mid-90's Hypocrisy era, look no further. Everything from the killer cover art to the lyrics to the trademarked Tagtgren riffing all screams Hypocrisy in the truest and best sense of the word. No, there's no real experimentation going on, and yes, you've heard this type of stuff before. But for the new generation of metalheads who have sprung up since the 90's, you really need to check out this band (besides Hypocrisy and other bands - e.g., Pain - Tagtgren is the mastermind behind the legendary Abyss studios). For you veteran stalwarts and long-time Hypocrisy fans, grab this one. You won't be disappointed.
Hel's Review:
I recently found myself becoming increasingly discouraged with the new material being produced by most metal bands. While in many cases the music being released was of high quality, it was missing that certain intangible something that causes the listener to become completely captivated. I was hearing a lot of great music, but nothing that really stirred up any passion. I was bored. Then along comes Virus.
" Prepare to be yanked from the stupor that is life without Virus." The newest Hypocrisy release has, for the first time in quite awhile, really gotten me excited. Virus manages to achieve that wonderful, well-neigh impossible task of sounding just like your favorite classic material without rehashing the same formula for the umpteenth time. It is Hypocrisy, but it is somehow fresh. Like your favorite sheets out the laundry, you just can’t wait to slide inside and relax.
The writing is exceptional, the production beautiful, the performances perfect. It is balanced and interesting and just plain won’t come out of my player. I may be in denial about thinking about my top ten albums of 2005, but I have no doubt this one will rank highly on that list. At this point, you should have a well-played copy in your player already. If you don’t – you need one. You need it now and you need it badly. Prepare to be yanked from the stupor that is life without Virus.
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