CoC : Usurper - Cryptobeast : Review

Usurper - _Cryptobeast_
(Earache Records, 2004)
by: Jackie Smit (8 out of 10)

After the cringingly contrived mess that was _Twilight Dominion_, I had all but lost the confidence in this Chicago quintet's ability to put together an album even approaching above-average. But following a good three weeks worth of analysis, I have drawn the conclusion that _Cryptobeast_ is surprisingly pretty damn excellent. Sure, Usurper might veer disturbingly close to Manowar's lyrical idiosyncrasies from time to time ("Kill for Metal", anyone?), but when a band play with such fascinatingly boorish conviction, who cares? _Cryptobeast_ is well-produced, technically pristine, old school death metal worship at its finest, steering so vehemently clear of anything even remotely trendy that it can't be anything but endearing.

Contact: http://www.usurper.us

(article published 13/12/2004)

ALBUMS
1/10/2001	A McKay	8	Usurper - Necronemesis
8/12/2000	A McKay	7.5	Usurper - Visions From the Gods
6/7/1997	S Hoeltzel	7	Usurper - Threshold of the Usurper

GIGS
8/12/1999	A Wasylyk	Cradle of Filth / Usurper / Endless / Averse Sefira	Averse Conditions Inhibit the Endless Usurp of Filth