Nice to see Peter Tagtgren get around to a new Hypocrisy album, what with all the financial/critical success of his more commercial/dance oriented outfit, Pain. The title cuts kicks things off, sounding like an old, crackling, pre-World War II mono 78, before morphing into more modern sounds, including Tagtgren’s caustic rasp atop a metered mid-tempo beat. By contrast, follow-up, ‘Tales Of The Spineless’ is a primitive slice of heads down, speedy death metal, until the midpoint, when an infectious guitar bounce and more (cinematic) ominous voiceover takes control, ultimately ending (abruptly) as it began.

Stylistically, a staccato ‘The Eye’ cuts too close to the producer/guitarist/singer’s alter-ego, even if the lyrics (and spoken pre-recorded political rant) are more erudite than escapist pop. Really the only such moment amongst the nine choices, although ‘When Death Calls’ threatens, briefly, with some triumphantly upbeat tones. After that “experimentation,” it’s back to the meat & potatoes variety Hypocrisy, swirling guitar rhythms and shrieking throat: ‘United We Fall’, railing against the New World Order. ’44 Double Zero’ is more of the same. A more torturous grind, ‘Hell Is Where I Stay’ downshifts to a lower gear, as does a rather subdued, ‘The Return’ finale. Can’t believe the sustained, strained vocal chords on ‘Soldier Of Fortune’. No wonder Mr. Tagtgren likes a drink or two, must need something to cool down those white hot, inflamed mucous membranes!