Canadian extreme metal veterans Cryptopsy stormed the O2 Academy Islington, showcasing their three-decade legacy of brutal technical death metal. The Montreal-formed outfit, known for their signature blend of horror, gore, and blasphemy themes, delivered a punishing set that spanned their extensive discography dating back to 1992.
Current vocalist Matt McGachy demonstrated his impressive range of screams and death growls as the band tore through selections from their latest release, “An Insatiable Violence,” which has been cracking year-end lists. The crowd responded with particular enthusiasm to “Flayed the Swine,” a standout track from their 2023 album “As Gomorrah Burns,” which recently earned the band a JUNO Award for Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year.
McGachy’s vocal versatility shines through the award-winning brutality of Cryptopsy’s latest sonic offerings.
The setlist paid homage to Cryptopsy’s revered classics, particularly from their 1996 magnum opus “None So Vile,” which remains their most popular album with over 144,730 listeners. Fan favorites like “Phobophile” and “Graves of the Fathers,” both rated above 96/100 by dedicated fans, ignited the most frenzied pit action of the night. Many longtime attendees reminisced about the band’s early days when they performed as ex-Necrosis before their 1992 name change.
Drummer and founding member Flo Mounier anchored the performance with his technical prowess, while guitarist Christian Donaldson and bassist Olivier Pinard created the sonic brutality that has defined Cryptopsy for over 30 years. The songs featured Mounier’s signature insanely fast riffing technique that has made the band leaders in the French Canadian death metal scene. The band even performed “Embrace the Nihility” featuring guest vocals from former member Mike DiSalvo, who made a surprise appearance on stage. The trio’s chemistry demonstrated why their technical approach to death metal has maintained relevance across nine studio albums.
Material from their groundbreaking 1994 debut “Blasphemy Made Flesh” received a thunderous reception, with “Open Face Surgery” proving that their early work still resonates with fans new and old. The band also included selections from “Whisper Supremacy” and “Once Was Not,” showcasing the evolution of their sound.
