Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
Usurper
Title
Cryptobeast
Type
LP/EP
Company
Earache
YOR
2005
Style
Death
2/9/2005 - Review by: Greg Watson
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!!!!


--Chaoslord 02.10.05

  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    N/A :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: USURPER
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
Cryptobeast
2005
Earache
Greg Watson2/9/2005
-
Twilight Dominion
2003
Earache
Eric Compton5/2/2003
3
Twilight Dominion
2003
Earache
Greg Watson4/25/2003
4

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: USURPER
INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE


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