Hypocrisy - The Final Chapter (1997)

Its strange to think that there was a time when I owned a good portion of the material Swedish melodic death metal legends, Hypocrisy had released during the 90's. I guess the odd thing about all that though is that I never really 'got into' these guys, it was more of just a coincidence of knowing their name and happening upon their releases at second hand stores.

Of course, their early pure death metal records, 'Penetralia' & 'Osculum Obscenum' are considered classics by most, but at the time (late 2000/early 2001) I wasn't much into death metal and I overlooked them. After those records Hypocrisy became a three piece and their style became increasingly melodic, though they seemed to have a habit and a pattern of doing both fast energetic songs as well as slower, mid-paced slightly doomy numbers with a far more guttural voice, as opposed to Peter's more trademark raspy screams. I remember telling myself and saying to someone that I'd probably fucking love Hypocrisy if it wasn't for those mid-paced songs and I think my lack of interest in those is what ultimately made me sell off my Hypocrisy CDs. Well, about two years ago I came across this album again for a mere $4 and I thought to myself, "Fuck it, let's give it a go again."

Much to my surprise after just a single listen to, 'The Final Chapter' I found myself enjoying it, even though it does follow that pattern of fast song followed by slow song. The album kicks off with, 'Inseminated Adoption,' which I wouldn't hesitate to admit that its my favorite Hypocrisy song. The speed, drive and catchiness of the song is really quite unbelievable as well with some cool riffs and a great solo it just stomps over the listener right from the get go. 'Dominion' & 'Last Vanguard' are other similarly fast paced songs that just, well, simply put, kick ass and its not long into these songs were I find myself headbanging like a maniac. But, then what about those mid-paced songs? I'll still insist that its an odd transition back and fourth during the album, but if you listen to them individually you'll discover some superb songs that while considerably slower are highly atmospheric pieces with great musicianship, deep guttural vocals, emotional clean vocals and occasional acoustic guitars. 'Request Denied' is definitely where its at.

'The Final Chapter' was literally intended to be the last Hypocrisy record as I believe Peter had lost his passion for the band and wanted to focus on his studio work at Abyss. However due to an immense fan response the band decided to forge on from here.

This album can be a bitch to get into due to the pattern, but like I already said listening to some of these songs on a more individual basis really reveals just how good they all are. In the end it makes me wish I had not sold those other record, because I'd probably dig them now too, but what can you do. Maybe I'll just find them at a second hand store again someday.