Review by Ryan Harding

HYPOCRISY: INTO THE ABYSS Nuclear Blast

More evidence for my theory that a band who releases a new album just a year after the last is generally going to satisfy. "Legions Descend" comes blasting out at you with an intensity unheard on Hypocrisy's 1999 self-titled album. Focused aggression is the overall order of INTO THE ABYSS, which may disappoint everyone still contemplating reverential suicide over "Disconnected Magnetic Corridors." Those who are more fond of "Killing Art," "Pleasure of Molestation," and "Left to Rot" can rejoice.

Not that the pensive side of Hypocrisy is neglected. There are still the more melodic, textured tracks like "Resurrected" and "Death Row (No Regrets)." By isolating them in the speedier climates of the album, Hypocrisy makes them stand out more. INTO THE ABYSS triumphs essentially by righting the wrongs of the last album - more aggression, less polish. Everyone plays a major part in this, with Lars (drums) and Mikael (bass) contributing almost as much as Pete Tagtren (vocals, guitars, keyboards) this time. Tagtren offers a wider variety of vocals than on HYPOCRISY, particularly by reviving his lower vocals and being less reliant on clean singing.

Highlights include "Digital Prophecy," a brother by way of frantic riffing to "Through the Window of Time," "Sodomized," and the stand-out mid-paced track "Unfold the Sorrow." What Lars lacks in blasting ability he makes up for in songwriting, as "Unfold" demonstrates. This track still sees Hypocrisy holding a certain album stance, a refusal to soften up any. No "Paled Empty Sphere" type depression here, the downtrodden melody fuels lyrics about strangling a lying bitch. Amen. You won't find any warm sentiments on "Unleash the Beast" or "Sodomized," either. That other Hypocrisy staple, the sci-fi extra-terrestrial narratives, is reduced to one appearance - "Fire in the Sky."

To have been released so soon after the last one, it doesn't feel rushed. It's similar in a way to Immortal quickly striking back to show that the atmospheric leanings of the prior album aren't all that awaits. Tagtren has been getting more and more help from his cohorts, and they're making their contributions count, particularly Lars. Tagtren foresees an even more brutal entity next time, but INTO THE ABYSS is definitely a good start.

4 PERPLEX SKULLS

This review copyright 2001 E.C.McMullen Jr.

Return to Shadow Music