Hypocrisy

(Nuclear Blast)
by Scott Hefflon

To say Hypocrisy sounds like anyone is really going in the wrong direction. The band began in ’87, and while they, as a band, have only kicked out a few records, each has been beautiful and brutal, and every side project of the band’s members has been top-notch. After deciding to break up, the band heard cries from around the world that their presence was still needed, and thus we have Hypocrisy. (The title playing on the fact that they said they were breaking up, get it?) The first record to utilize the writing talents of members other than Peter Tägtgren, Hypocrisy is a nicely-rounded album, ranging from full-tilt destroyers like “Apocalyptic Hybrid” and “Time Warp” to eerily melodic mid-tempo tunes (the majority, and in my opinion, what makes Hypocrisy the haunting gods they are). Closing in a similar mood to The Final Chapter‘s, well, “The Final Chapter” is “Disconnected Magnetic Corridors” (don’t ask me what it means, I trust it’s kinda morbid and deep, though), any heavy music fan’s link to Pink Floyd. And that about says it all: lush, somber harmonies uttering “Please forgive me” with the same other-worldliness as Floyd’s “Goodbye, Cruel World,” but with a thick sludge of distorted guitars oozing like blood spreading slowly across the hardwood floor.
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