About this album

Sound: "A relentless barrage of melodic riffs and guttural growls that explores themes of despair and societal critique."

Where they were

Released in early 2002, 'Catch 22' marked Hypocrisy's seventh studio album during a prolific phase for the band. Following their successful album 'Fourth Dimension' in 1999, this record further solidified their reputation in the melodic death metal scene. The band's signature blend of aggression and melody continued to evolve, showcasing their ability to push genre boundaries.

Why it matters

'Catch 22' received critical acclaim within the metal community, charting in several countries and enhancing Hypocrisy's stature in melodic death metal. The album's themes resonated with fans facing social and political turmoil, contributing to its lasting impact on the genre. It also helped to inspire a wave of similar bands exploring darker lyrical content.

Essential tracks

  • "Don't Judge Me" — This opening track sets the tone with its aggressive instrumentation and confrontational lyrics, encapsulating the album's themes of judgment and societal pressures.
  • "On the Edge of Madness" — The title track exemplifies Hypocrisy's ability to blend melody with heaviness, featuring intricate guitar work paired with emotional vocal delivery that captures a sense of despair.
  • "Hatred" — 'Hatred' dives deep into personal and societal conflict, showcasing powerful riffs alongside a relentless pace that embodies the essence of melodic death metal.
  • "Seeds of the Chosen One" — This track features a haunting atmosphere combined with thought-provoking lyrics about destiny and choice, representing Hypocrisy's lyrical depth.

Release Date

January 1, 2002

Artist Origin

Sweden

Tracklist

  1. 1 Don't Judge Me 2:28
  2. 2 Destroyed 3:56
  3. 3 On the Edge of Madness 4:58
  4. 4 A Public Puppet 3:40
  5. 5 Uncontrolled 4:41
  6. 6 Turn the Page 4:05
  7. 7 Hatred 4:45
  8. 8 Another Dead End (for Another Dead Man) 3:43
  9. 9 Seeds of the Chosen One 5:05
  10. 10 All Turns Black 4:24
  11. 11 Nowhere to Run 3:18