Usurper - Cryptobeast - Earache Records 2005 --Chaoslord
Track Listing
1. The Bones Of My Enemies 2. Supernatural Killing Spree 3. Kill For Metal 4. Conquest Of The Grotesque 5. Ectoplasm 6. Reptilian 7. Cryptobeast 8. Wrath Of God 9. Warriors Of Irons & Rust (Battalions Of The New Millennium)
Well fellow headbangers for those of you unfamiliar with this Chicago based quintet I have a feeling you are about to get a brutal introduction to this old school thrash band when the new album hits the streets. After purchasing "Necronemesis" a few years ago just because I found out that King Diamond appeared on the album, I was quickly swept up in the might and the maelstrom this band possesses. I went out and picked up all of their older albums and patiently waited for their next metal offering. I was rewarded with "Twilight Dominion" in 2003. I thought that the band would be unable to overcome that album and the crushing metal on it. Well Usurper just gave me a swift kick in the teeth with "Cryptobeast".
The band marks the return of former drummer Joe "Apocalyptic" Warlord to the fold as well as new vocalist Dan "Enrantor" Lawson to replace General "Diabolic" Slaughter. From the opening notes of “Bones of my Enemies” to the last note of the re-make of "Warriors of Iron & Rust" Usurper rips, shreds and beats their way through ten tracks of kick ass heavy metal. New vocalist Lawson adds a grittier quality to the vocals giving it just another touch of old school feel to the album while the return of drummer Warlord brings back a bit of the sound featured on the first Usurper albums. Most people will feel that the standout track on the album is "Kill for Metal" as it is a bit of a metal anthem. I totally agree with that sentiment. This song will make you pump your fist in the air and make you bang your head really hard as if you wanted to cause brain damage because you are rocking so hard. The guitar work on this album a la Rick Scythe is brutal and beautiful at the same time. The riffs are constructed perfectly and the music fits with each song and its concept. This brings me to the point about the song lyrics and content. Usurper is a band that focuses on folklore, supernatural and historical elements. For those of you who find interest in those areas or who just like a good song, this is a band for you. This album will catapult the band into the metal know. If you don't know who Usurper is you will after this album. Be prepared for the Beast to be unleashed for it is coming for you on February 8th, BEWARE!!!!
