ALBUM REVIEW: Worship – Hypocrisy

It’s been an agonising eight years since the release of End Of Disclosure. With the sheer amount of projects Peter Tägtgren has juggled in recent years, it did leave many fans wondering whether he would ever find the time to squeeze another HYPOCRISY release into his relentless schedule. At long last, the wait is almost over as the thirteenth instalment in their illustrious legacy is on the horizon. Worship is due for release on November 26th via Nuclear Blast Records, and is set to prove that the band can still bring their A-game.

Worship doesn’t take long to implement the signature swathes of melody and brutality with which HYPOCRISY have become synonymous throughout their extensive career. Rapid fire instrumentation littered with plentiful hooks mixes with the familiar growls of the chief of chaos himself, like a combustible cocktail set to ignite. Chemical Whore opens with a hefty galloping riff, possessing a confident but commanding stride that allows the lyrical narrative to be fully digested. Greedy Bastards follows with a similar mentality, continuing with a restrained tempo but still packing a serious punch with bursts of intense drum beats and impressive lead segments.

Dead World kicks the savagery up a gear with jarring riff work and a prominent bass line. The assistance of Tägtgren‘s son Sebastian on this track has provided a new and refreshing string to the band’s already well-armed bow – an exciting prospect for the future if they continue to collaborate in this fashion. We’re The Walking Dead offers up some enticing harmonies and powerful vocal lines that perfectly accompany the established rhythm. It’s straightforward in structure, but still highly effective. Brotherhood Of The Serpent takes a darker, more aggressive turn with impactful drum work and sinister shredding. The latter stages are a particular highlight, especially the shrill, blood-curdling vocal blasts. Children Of The Gray possesses a heightened sense of theatricality as engaging melodies and an immersive atmosphere surrounds the track. The vibrant, uplifting tones that are introduced towards the end really amplify the energy flowing throughout.

Another Day delves back into the extreme side of the spectrum as it charges like a rampaging bull. The sharp riffs provide an additional bite. They Will Arrive continues this increased surge of momentum by combining alluring hooks with potent technicality. Bug In The Net takes a sombre approach with doom-drenched tones that result in a captivating flow, especially during the chorus sections. Gods Of The Underground shifts back to a higher tempo as it sprints towards the finish line. Crushing riffs and unrelenting drum beats are closely followed by euphoric melodies to round this release off in impressive fashion.

With a recharged sense of purpose, HYPOCRISY have come out all guns blazing with this release. Worship doesn’t necessarily step out of the established realms of their sound but at this stage of their career why break what clearly isn’t broken? The quality is consistent throughout and keeps you excited for what may unfold next. One of the many reasons why they are revered as one of the legends of the world of death metal.

Rating: 9/10

Worship is set for release on November 26th via Nuclear Blast Records.

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