Before writing anything about the album, I would like to address this to all fellow reviewers and readers. That I regard Flo Mounier as a ‘Drummer once in an age’. (And I hope this statement helps our website save some web space for rest of the review). Otherwise I would have stretched out far praising the guy, leaving behind my focus on this release.
Once was not’s hold lies profoundly on a couple of aspects-firstly-sizing- its galloping 48mins of madness. Which is fairly large going by standard spinning time of an average brutal technical death metal release. Thus, hardcore fans like me can say that we have received our dues well, more the better. Secondly, there isn’t an over inclined one track sound, cryptopsy have managed to mix-up jazzy intro on ‘keeping the cadaver dog busy’ (track 7), a chilly melodic black riff on ‘The Pestilence That Walketh’ (track 9) and an atmospheric sandy synthetic feel on ‘The end’ (track 10) in addition to their signature ferocity. These elements remarkably separate the album from their previous catalogue.
Talking flipside now, it’s the overall MIX!?. Drum sound is a little louder than other instruments, especially the snare (I don’t know whether its deliberate?). Whenever Flo hits snare while playing single pedal it gets too overboard on ears. Moving on, Lord Worm (vocals) isn’t a winner either, he looks to tied down, loose and plain. He could have brought a little more charisma, had he penetrated more larynxes in those relentless riffs.

When you observe this band, vary hyperblast speed ratios driven by Flo Mounier, alongside barks/screams/growls of lord, with a whip of lashy DM riffs. You will jump out of your seat shouting out ‘That’s crptopsy’! Favorite picks- ‘Keeping the Cadaver Dogs Busy’ and ‘Angelskingarden’. Mind you ‘once was not’ is far more mash pit driving and not neck driving. These are clear signs how modern death metal and cryptopsy are shaping up. Pardon me; ‘None so vile’ is still a benchmark for me! (8/10)