Hypocrisy

Abducted (Relapse)
by Scott Hefflon

Joining the progressive death metal movement, Hypocrisy creates a diverse monstrosity of death, gloomy atmosphere, and conceptual horror. Varying the speed from lumbering, to galloping, to racing, Abducted keeps the death roots intact, while exploring Pink Floydian tangents of space and melody. Surprising are the fist bang anthems, twisted beyond pop only by Peter Tastgren’s gnarled growl. His snake spit vocals unify the songs, but not to the point of monotony. The crystal clear production (credited to Peter is almost every aspect of production, music, and lyrics) brings out the natural range of the vocals, and the occasional Celtic Frost-esque lilting, angelic choir doesn’t hurt. Neither does the odd production trick. While not especially in vogue with death purists, the breaks, segues, and fades highlight various aspects of the song writing that would be lost in the mindless speed-kills onslaught. I’ll admit, the order of the tracks is hardly conducive to a nice stroll through the cemetery; it’s more for vigilant weaving through catacombs. The lighting changes, some spaces are claustrophobic, some are expansive, sometimes you panic and run, other times you linger curiously – in the end, you may wonder what architect/lunatic designed the damn things. The final rooms are majestic, incidentally. Gorgeous colors, pleasant and breezy space, hints of longing and terror in periphery; definitely worth the confusion getting here.