Review by JD on May 8, 2011.

Bass artist truly extraordinary... that is exactly what Dino Fiorenza is. As a bassist myself for most of my career, I was eager to hear what this titanic Italian four string god was unleashing. I nervously put the CD in and started to listen, then I was overwhelmed, then I found myself becoming very underwhelmed.

This man has brought the bass out as a lead instrument, something that was needed but now that he has done it, I am confused. It is amazing, technical and musicallly brilliant - but it bores me to death. For all of the talent and simple brilliance the man has shown, Dino Fiorenza has made a boring album.

As an instrumental album, this is up there in sheer talent. It shows a man that has exceptional talent, as well as a grasp on the very limits of his bass- yet it has not translated over into the music. As skill bending and so amazing as it is, Dino’s album lacks soul and that melodic aspect. Sort of like Yngwie Malmsteen’s first solo album for me. That was an album that was impressive, but soulless... you got bored easily, even though the skills are so damned amazing.

I am disappointed with this record. I see a man that is so amazing, and possibly the top rock Bassist of all time (except for Geddy Lee of Rush fame and the great Cliff Burton), but sometime you can have too much of a good thing - the mainstream Metal/Rock fan would be impressed as well - then be bored by the third track. Sad... but very true.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship:10
Atmosphere: 7 (overwhelming)
Production: 10
Originality: 7 (it is, but without direction, looses a lot)
Overall: 7

Rating: 8.2 out of 10

Review by Krys on March 6, 2002.

I don’t remember when the last time was that a metal band created so much controversy over the sound of its new album before the release date, do you? Opinions on techno to nu-metal to the death sound of old Hypocrisy are circulating on the forums, message boards and what have you. Since I always was a big fan of their work, all this talk only increased my cravings.

So, what is it? It’s Hypocrisy, and if you’ve heard their previous work then the name of the band should be more than enough to get the taste of “Catch 22”. Where are all these people getting “nu-metal” from? I can agree with some Pain (Peter’s side project) moments that incorporate clean melodic and catchier vocals and some keyboard samples but comparing Hypocrisy to nu-metal is simply outrageous. Either those people have never heard nu-metal (don’t rush to change that) or simply Mother Nature played a trick by replacing their eardrums with marbles.

Maybe they’re not as extreme as they used to be but have they ever really strived for the extreme sound? Memorable riffs, melody and unique sound were always Hypocrisy trademarks and in this department nothing changed on “Catch 22”. In my opinion, tracks like ‘Edge of Madness’ or ‘Hatred’ only added a new dimension to their music and gave them much wider range of music possibilities and saved them from chasing its own tale on subsequent albums.

Bottom Line: This might be one of the best overall Hypocrisy albums ever. Each song with its own identity, melody and right amount of power stays for days in the head and guaranties multiple plays without boredom.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 10
Originality: 8
Overall: 9

Rating: 8.8 out of 10