Three years ago, CRYPTOPSY retook their rightful place atop the extreme metal pantheon with Cryptopsy. The band have since become a four-piece after the latest departure of founding guitarist Jon Levasseur. Despite that, it only takes a few seconds into The Book of Suffering Tome 1 to know that CRYPTOPSY are still reigning.

As the first in a series of crowdfunded EPs, the The Book of Suffering Tome 1 does exactly what it’s supposed to do: brutalize you in the most succinct manner possible and leave you wanting more. The Book of Suffering Tome 1 is essentially flawless with CRYPTOPSY at the top of their game. Their trademark sound is there (manic blasts, off the wall time changes, breakdowns, etc.) but also with shades of darkness and violence.

In keeping with the band’s pledge for quality over quantity with these releases, the production is absolutely flawless, which is perfect given the top-notch performances of each member. Big ups to guitarist Chris Donaldson, Jason Suecoff, and Alan Douches for their work.

The bottom line is that The Book of Suffering Tome 1 is a mandatory release for all extreme metal fans. Flawless victory. (self-released)