Even the most legendary heroes have their downfall. Back at the end of the 2000s, the underground had left Cryptopsy for dead thanks to an album that’s best left unspoken. But when the recent JUNO Award winners returned from critic-imposed exile in 2011, they reclaimed their crown as the most vile name in death metal with their self-titled album.

“The self-titled album brought Cryptopsy back to its true intention, which is pushing brutal death metal to the utmost extremes”, says drummer and founding member Flo Mounier. “It marks the beginning of our resurgence”.

Season of Mist is reissuing Cryptopsy’s self-titled album on January 31, 2025. 

Pre-order: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/CryptopsySelfTitled

Stream: https://youtu.be/r1s7aGPFLWo

Available formats
Digital Download
CD Jewel Case
12″ Vinyl Gatefold (Black)
12″ Vinyl Gatefold (Orange and Black Marbled)

In order for Cryptopsy to reimpose their supremacy, first, they had to return to the source. Even though he hadn’t picked up a guitar in the seven years since his departure from the band, John Levasseur rejoined for the writing and recording of their self-titled album. The songs needed time to cook, but once Levesseur and Mounier started jamming, they rediscovered the right balance between jazzy experimentation and brutal technical proficiency. “Ominous” still reigns as the only song in their 36 year history with a downtuned guitar, while future set list staple “Two-Pound Torch” introduced their patented, squirming fishhook riff.

Though no longer a fresh face, Matt McGachy established himself as Cryptopsy’s vocalist on the band’s self-titled album. “I pushed myself to make my vocals more brutal”, McGachy remembers, “but this is when I started to come into my own as death metal lyricist”. Every album since has formed around a twisted concept, but Cryptopsy is their first proper concept album. Each song uncovers a sordid chapter in Canadian lore. Eerie cymbal crashes, probing leads and slimy grooves from incoming bassist Olivier Pinard  welcome the chilling UFO sightings on fan favorite “Shag Harbour’s Visitors”. Christian Donaldson guided them through the production process, but his guitar tears a distorted and bloody path through “Golden Square Mile”, which traces back to the mysterious Redpath Murders of 1901.

More than two decades into an already legendary career, Cryptopsy kicked off the band’s triumphant second act.

More praise for Cryptopsy
“This might even be their best since fucking None So Vile” – No Clean Singing

“Cryptopsy needed to once again prove that they could make some tech death that they as a group could be proud of and that statement rings through loud and clear” – Metal Injection

Though it pulled them back from the brink, Cryptopsy’s self-titled album was only the beginning. The Canadians continued their brutal resurgence on the double during the mid-2010s with two neck-snapping EPs.

The Book of Suffering was always meant as a companion piece. Cryptopsy framed Tome I around the concept of those phobophiles among us who inflict suffering (including a twisted-but-true tale of a Greyhound bus trip gone horribly awry). Meanwhile, Tome II shifts perspective to those who’ve escaped their tormentors. “Sire of Sin“ – a ripping escape from a notorious religious cult – quickly turned into a staple in the band’s ever-mutating setlist.

“The band is once again at the forefront of creative brutality“, Angry Metal Guy rejoiced.

Now, for the first time, fans can own both EPs on one combined LP when Season of Mist reissues The Book of Suffering this Friday, December 13.

Order: https://shop.season-of-mist.com/list/cryptopsy-the-book-of-suffering

Stream:
Tome 1: https://cryptopsy.fanlink.tv/TheBookOfSufferingTome1
Tome 2: https://cryptopsy.fanlink.tv/TheBookOfSufferingTome2

Prepare for more relentless carnage when Cryptopsy tours Europe next summer with Decapitated, Warbringer and their Season of Mist label mates Carnation.

“Europe, get ready!”, Cryptopsy says. “With over 30 dates across the continent, this tour promises relentless energy, crushing riffs and unforgettable nights”

When Cryptopsy emerged from Montreal, Quebec in 1993, their groundbreaking blend of technical prowess and brutal intensity left an indelible mark on extreme metal.

Right away, Cryptopsy showcased their unparalleled musicianship with their debut album. Blasphemy Made Flesh (1994) set the stage for a career that’s been defined by innovation and boundary-pushing. Their next album solidified the band as pioneers of death metal. None So Vile (1996) earned them critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase across the world.

“Brutal and beautifully chaotic…a must-have for any extreme metal fan’s collection”, wrote Metal Hammer, who named None So Vile one of the best death metal albums ever.

Cryptopsy has continued to evolve throughout their storied career. Their 30-year discography defies any one categorization, ranging from jazz fusion on Whisper Supremacy (1998) and the avant-garde rhythms of Once Was Not (2005) to the melodic experiments of The Unspoken King (2008).

In 2012, Cryptopsy released their self-titled album, which signaled a return to their brutal roots. Three years later, the band embarked on The Book of Suffering, an ambitious two-part EP that Decibel regarded as “an absolute fucking burner”.

Almost 30 years into their career, Cryptopsy won the JUNO Award for Best Metal/Hard Music Album for their latest album As Gomorrah Burns (2023). They followed that up by earning another prestigious honor: joining Death to All on a tour of North America.

Along with their celebrated discography, a relentless work ethic and reputation as blistering live performers has cemented Cryptopsy as one of metal’s most influential and respected bands. But while their legacy is safely established, the band remain committed to expanding the definitions of extreme music. Having now signed with Season of Mist, they’re preparing to release new music, along with definitive reissues from their classic catalogue.