A Taste of Extreme Divinity cover

A Taste of Extreme Divinity

Hypocrisy · 2009

50 min · 11 tracks · melodic death metal

A relentless barrage of melodic riffs and harsh vocals captures the chaos of modern existential dread.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Valley of the Damned — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its crushing riffs and haunting melodies, establishing a sense of urgency that permeates the record.
  • →
    Weed Out the Weak — The song's confrontational lyrics and aggressive tempo encapsulate the band's critique of societal flaws, making it a standout commentary on strength and survival.
  • →
    Taste the Extreme Divinity — Serving as the title track, it combines intricate guitar work with a powerful chorus that emphasizes the album's themes of transcendence and despair.
  • →
    Global Domination — This track features dynamic shifts between melodic sections and brutal breakdowns, highlighting the band's signature style while addressing global issues.
  • →
    Sky Is Falling Down — The closing track presents a more introspective side of the band, utilizing atmospheric elements that contrast with earlier aggression, creating a haunting finale.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production, with notable energy and dynamics throughout its runtime.

What we noticed

  • The first five tracks maintain a high tempo with aggressive drumming and intricate guitar work, establishing a relentless energy.
  • Several tracks feature dual vocal styles, alternating between harsh growls and melodic singing, enhancing the dynamic range.
  • The album includes multiple tempo shifts, particularly in the latter half, where it transitions to slower, more atmospheric sections.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo progression
  • immersive sonic atmosphere
  • dark thematic exploration
  • engaging in-order listening
  • poignant lyrical depth

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer upbeat, fast tracks
  • want standalone radio singles

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 1, 2009, 'A Taste of Extreme Divinity' marked Hypocrisy's return to form after a four-year hiatus since their previous album, 'Virus'. This album came during a period when the band sought to refine their sound while remaining rooted in melodic death metal, showcasing a blend of aggressive instrumentation and thought-provoking lyrics that resonated with fans old and new.
Stylistic neighbors
Dark Tranquillity· In Flames· Soilwork

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Valley of the Damned 4:17
  • 2 Hang Him High 4:35
  • 3 Solar Empire 5:16
  • 4 Weed Out the Weak 3:50
  • 5 No Tomorrow 4:16
  • 6 Global Domination 5:15
  • 7 Taste the Extreme Divinity 3:36
  • 8 Alive 4:22
  • 9 The Quest 5:31
  • 10 Tamed (Filled With Fear) 4:39
  • 11 Sky Is Falling Down 4:32

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata