DIPYGUS is a death metal band from California who formed in 2013. This self-titled release is their third full-length album; they have also released a demo, two EPs, two splits, and a live album. This album’s overall sound is rather extreme but the band does mix it up with other styles. Old school death seems to be the blueprint but some of the slower moments sound doomy and there is a dose of psychedelic tendencies throughout the album. Sam's and Dustin’s playing is extremely varied and these guys do a fantastic job in presenting many shades and moods to such extreme music. The MVP of the album is without a doubt Dayan’s insane bass skills. However, the other half of the rhythm machine is Bog Stomper, whose taught command over the kit is maddening unto itself.

The production is great with the mixing in particular being dynamic enough to let the bass shine through but still allowing breathing room for the other members, particularly the vocals of Clarisa, who sounds brutal and horrific. The album begins with “Perverse Termination (Bulb of Force)” which begins with a cooler killer from both the guitars and bass. The music is always on the edge of insanity; it threatens to fall apart at the seams but never does. It is a constant psychosis; the killer guitar near the end exemplifies the mind trip the album often takes. “Monrovia, LR 1990,” has a murky, and doomed out in its burgeoning moments. The bass is incredibly deep but the guitars are beastly on their own but all the elements stand out when they support the crazy leads and the often rambunctious showdown that immediately follows such a display.

“The Dover Demon,” takes the best elements of the album and puts them in one song, a burner that is just over three minutes in length. The main riff is hammered in effectively by the bass, which in turn is highlighted by the drums. Unfortunately, there is quite a bit of filler on the album that kind of bogs it all down. “Bug Sounds II,” “Rat Lung-Worm,” and “The Ochopee Skunk Ape,” are songs that don’t go anywhere. They certainly fit into the album concept as a whole but, at the same time, if they were removed then nothing would really change aside from the album being less bloated.

It is especially jarring with “The Ochopee Skunk Ape,” because it is the final song, coming after the nearly 12 minute long opus “Sacral Brain,” which would have made for a much better ending song. Filler aside, the rest of the album is rock solid. For those who like their death metal a little weird and off the beaten path, one could do worse than the self-titled DIPYGUS album