Cryptopsy, the Canadian titans of brutal technical death metal, have unleashed their ninth full-length masterpiece, An Insatiable Violence. Following the critically lauded As Gomorrah Burns (2023), which earned them a JUNO Award, Cryptopsy has not only solidified their legacy but elevated it to new heights with this 34-minute sonic tome. An Insatiable Violence is a breathtaking fusion of unrelenting aggression, technical virtuosity, and a thought-provoking conceptual core that tackles the perils of social media addiction. This album is a triumphant declaration of Cryptopsy’s enduring relevance, delivering a punishing yet exhilarating experience that stands as one of the finest achievements in their storied career.

Concept and Lyrical Brilliance

At its heart, An Insatiable Violence is a conceptual triumph, born from a vivid dream recounted by vocalist Matt McGachy. The narrative revolves around a metaphorical machine, obsessively perfected by its creator during the day, only to torment them in their sleep, yet they revel in the suffering. This allegory serves as a critique of society’s toxic relationship with social media, where the pursuit of validation becomes a self-destructive cycle. Tracks like The Nimis Adoration, inspired by the tragic death of a mukbang streamer, and Embrace the Nihility, with its scathing commentary on the “relentless dopamine drip,” weave a narrative that’s as intellectually engaging as it is emotionally visceral. McGachy’s lyrics are both poetic and brutal, offering a lens into the toll of digital obsession while maintaining the edge death metal demands. This thematic depth elevates An Insatiable Violence beyond mere musical brutality, making it a profound statement on the human condition.

Musical Mastery

Musically, An Insatiable Violence is a brilliant achievement that blends classic Cryptopsy ferocity with their more modern evolution, creating a sound that’s both nostalgic and modern. Clocking in at eight tracks, the album is a masterpiece in precision; no moment is wasted. It channels the chaotic energy of their magnum opus None So Vile (1996) and Whisper Supremacy (1998) while embracing the polished aggression of their post-2012 era. The result is a dynamic, multifaceted record that feels like the culmination of Cryptopsy’s journey; a perfect balance of their past and present. The album explodes into existence with The Nimis Adoration, a relentless opener that showcases the band’s signature blend of blast beats, jagged riffs, and McGachy’s guttural vocals. Guitarist Christian Donaldson delivers razor-sharp riffs and a melodic solo that adds a haunting contrast to the track’s brutality, while also incorporating a groovy breakdown that demands headbanging. Until There’s Nothing Left, the lead single, is an absolute highlight, a dizzying whirlwind of tempo shifts, infectious bass grooves from Oli Pinard, and a hook that’s as catchy as it is crushing. It’s the kind of song that sticks in your head long after the chaos subsides, earning its place as one of Cryptopsy’s most memorable tracks. Drummer Flo Mounier delivers a performance for the ages. His gravity blasts, intricate fills, and dynamic shifts, particularly on Fools Last Acclaim and Malicious Needs, are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Mounier’s ability to blend brute force with technical finesse solidifies his status as one of extreme metal’s greatest drummers. Pinard’s bass work is equally captivating, stealing the spotlight with thunderous slaps and melodic runs on tracks like Our Great Deception and The Art of Emptiness. He adds a layer of depth that makes every listen extremely satisfying as subtle nuances emerge with each spin. McGachy’s vocals are a revelation, effortlessly shifting between Corpsegrinder-esque (Cannibal Corpse) low growls, feral shrieks, and even moments of eerie clarity. His performance on Fools Last Acclaim is particularly commanding, conveying both rage and despair. The guest appearance of former vocalist Mike DiSalvo on Embrace the Nihility is a nostalgic treat, evoking the Whisper Supremacy era while seamlessly integrating with the album’s modern sound. This nod to the band’s history adds an emotional resonance, especially for longtime fans.

The Standouts

Every track on An Insatiable Violence is a gem, but several stand out as instant classics:

• The Nimis Adoration: A ferocious opener that sets the tone with its unrelenting pace, melodic solo, and groove-heavy breakdowns. It’s a perfect encapsulation of Cryptopsy’s ability to blend chaos and accessibility.
• Until There’s Nothing Left: The lead single is a chaotic masterpiece, with Pinard’s bass-driven grooves and McGachy’s commanding vocals making it an instant fan favorite.
• Our Great Deception: A standout for its blend of melodic death metal and crushing heaviness, with atmospheric guitars and a soaring bassline that add emotional weight.

Very Slight Critiques

If there’s any critique to be made, it’s minor and overshadowed by the album’s strengths. Tracks like Fools Last Acclaim and The Art of Emptiness can occasionally feel like they lean on familiar Cryptopsy tropes, but their execution is so flawless that it’s hard to fault them. I’d compare it to Meshuggah. Sure, some of their songs sound similar, however, the sound is so damn good that it isn’t a demerit at all! For new Cryptopsy listeners, the album’s relentless pace might be overwhelming for some; Embrace the Nihility rolls around, but the melodic and atmospheric closer Malicious Needs provides a perfect resolution. Some fans of Cryptopsy’s rawer, early sound might find the polished production a touch too clean, but it never sacrifices the band’s visceral edge.

The Inevitable Impact

An Insatiable Violence is not just a great Cryptopsy album, hell, it’s one of the finest death metal records of 2025. It surpasses the already excellent As Gomorrah Burns in focus, intensity, and emotional resonance, marking a high point in the band’s modern era. Cryptopsy has weathered lineup changes, divisive releases like The Unspoken King (2008), and the pressures of a changing metal landscape, emerging stronger than ever. Their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots is nothing short of remarkable. The album’s release comes at a time Cryptopsy is riding high, with their recent JUNO Award and tours alongside heavyweights like Nile, Decapitated, and Aborted. An Insatiable Violence feels like a victory lap for a band that’s fought to reclaim their throne, proving they’re not just relevant but at the forefront of extreme metal. The inclusion of Mike DiSalvo and the tribute to Martin Lacroix add layers of emotional depth, making this release feel like a celebration of Cryptopsy’s past, present, and future.

An Insatiable Violence is a monumental achievement, a blistering, intelligent, and emotionally resonant album that showcases Cryptopsy at the peak of their powers. It’s a love letter to longtime fans, a gateway for newcomers, and a bold statement that the band is far from done pushing the boundaries of death metal. With its razor-sharp riffs, thunderous drums, intricate basslines, and thought-provoking themes, this album is a must-listen for anyone who craves music that’s as cerebral as it is crushing. An Insatiable Violence is not just a return to form—it’s a redefinition of what Cryptopsy can achieve.