When GRYP's debut album Indecision was released in the early summer of 1999, bands like Slipknot had yet to unleash their brand of chaotic-yet-melodic noise. Now, with the release of GRYP's self-titled, long-awaited and delayed sophomore album, those out of the loop will cry foul. But people inside the circle know better.
Rapcore does raise its tired head from time to time in the band's repertoire, yet nu/aggro metal seems to be a better tag if one must be given. Three tracks were rerecorded and included here from the band's first disc ("Ungrateful," "Good Enough," and "Heal Me Back (Sick)"). These display the rap side of the band the most, yet they're also amongst the most powerful songs on this album. "Save Me" is an obvious attempt at airplay, and it's very deserving of it. The record picks up in songwriting quality as it proceeds, the only bumps in the road being the experimental and noise-ridden instrumentals "Airlock" and "The Crash." They seem like someone's outlet for experimentation that isn't really GRYP.
Overall, there isn't anything groundbreaking here, yet there's not much to criticize, either. It's almost inexplicably good. So the sophomore slump seems to have been avoided, and now it becomes a game of longevity for GRYP.
Editors' ratings — Doug 3/5, Lonny 2/5
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