Cryptopsy - _And Then You'll Beg_
(Century Media, 2000)
by: Alex Cantwell (8.5 out of 10)
In reference to _Whisper Supremacy_ in CoC #34, Paul Schwarz mentions the random rumblings and clicks that precede what he describes as being "total Armageddon", which was a completely accurate description of the first track on that album, and I always have those words in mind when listening to it. Well, not astonishingly, Cryptopsy have created more "total Armageddon" with _And Then You'll Beg_, pleasing fans and fuelling the fire for critics. You see, many criticize Cryptopsy for throwing disjointed sections together and calling them "songs", but for the fan this is of course the true beauty of this band. The riffs that they throw together alongside the incessant pounding of the fastest drummer in the world, Flo Mounier, are mind-numbing and are bound to confuse even those with well trained ears and appreciation for technical chaos. Cryptopsy excel at this like no other band currently. Meshuggah can compose chaos, and Cannibal Corpse can throw disjointed parts together and make them work, but Cryptopsy's songs are better, more listenable, and more entertaining than Meshuggah's wall of noise, and they are set apart from Cannibal Corpse right away because they have more of a grind element, and with the addition of Mike DiSalvo on vocals a few years back, a certain hardcore element as well. The first track on this album sums up what this band is all about perfectly: extreme blasting speed, crazy grooves, aggressive technicality, awesome bass tone and chaotic leadwork, and serves as a dead-on example of what to expect for the rest of the 39 minute ride. I have found that these songs only become catchy after the sixth listen, and I will keep on coming back to this album through the years because I know that I will hear something new every time I choose to make the descent into this realm of brutal complexity. Throughout the whole album, each band member fights for his part to be heard, but somehow it all comes together to make for a thoroughly satisfying yet terribly confusing listening experience.
(article published 10/1/2001)
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