Though well into their third decade, CRYPTOPSY still make blasphemy sound fresh. After all, the most vile band in the sordid history of death metal did win a coveted JUNO Award for their most recent album. But many underground metalheads trace the brutal Canadians’ resurgence back to the two EPs they released during the mid-2010s.
“This is without a doubt the best material the band has released in the new century (and that includes a record with revered original vocalist Lord Worm“), Decibel wrote about The Book of Suffering upon the arrival of its first installment in 2015.
Three years later, when the band cracked open its second chapter, Angry Metal Guy was delighted: “The band is once again at the forefront of creative brutality“.
Now, for the very first time, The Book of Suffering is available on one combined vinyl.
Season of Mist is reissuing both Tome I and Tome II on December 13, 2024.
Available Formats
The Book of Suffering Tome I – Digital Download, CD Jewel Case + 12″ Vinyl (Black)
The Book of Suffering Tome II – Digital Download, CD Jewel Case + 12″ Vinyl (Black)
The Book of Suffering Tome I+II – 12″ Vinyl (Black, Translucent Green, Turqoise)
Pre-order:
➤ https://shop.season-of-mist.com/list/cryptopsy-the-book-of-suffering
Stream:
➤ https://cryptopsy.fanlink.tv/TheBookOfSufferingTome1
➤ https://cryptopsy.fanlink.tv/TheBookOfSufferingTome2
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.
“We are very pleased to announce that Season of Mist is reissuing The Book of Suffering“, vocalist Matt McGachy says. “We dropped Tome I and Tome II independently back in the day. Since then, so many people have come up to us on tour asking how they can get their hands on these two EPs. Now, for the very first time, they can get both on one combined vinyl”.
Cryptopsy are still teasing a third and final installment in The Book of Suffering, but the new versions of Tome I and Tome II are all part of a larger reissue campaign that Season of Mist will continue well into 2025. And while the band are currently out on a tour of North America with Carnifex, they’re already hard at work on their next new album.
The Book of Suffering: Tome I
1. Detritus (The One They Kept) (4:33)
2. The Knife, The Head And What Remains (3:30)
3. Halothane Glow (4:21)
4. Framed By Blood (4:20)
Total runtime: 16:47
The Book of Suffering: Tome II
1. The Wretched Living (4:51)
2. Sire of Sin (4:27)
3. Fear His Displeasure (3:55)
4. The Laws Of The Flesh (4:28)
Total runtime: 17:41
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, starting with The Book of Suffering: Tome I and Tome II.
Lineup:
Flo Mounier – Drums
Matt McGachy – Vocals
Christian Donaldson – Guitar
Oli Pinard – Bass
Follow Cryptopsy:
Bandcamp: https://cryptopsyofficial.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cryptopsyofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cryptopsyofficial/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/29PgYwTelpNl6370XLqFtN
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CryptopsyDeathMetal
BandsInTown: https://www.bandsintown.com/a/2941-cryptopsy
