To be a Death Metal band in traditional way today isn't as simple as it seems. Unlike the early days of the 90s, when the Second Wave took the world by assault, the genre's formulas for the classic approaches are eroded and everyone knows it. It means that to pay attention on something on these trenches is hard, because many people are looking for 'more-of-the-same', but for something different. But paying attention on releases as "Simulacre", from the Canadian quartet DÉCRYPTAL, you'll understand that there is hope for bands on such ways. Recorded at Studio Rototom (excepted for the vocals), and mixed and mastered by Jack Moose, the sonority is a kind of a different insight into classic Death Metal recording ways, because even keeping things distorted and oppressive, it allows the fans to understand what's being played, besides it could be better. The graphic art of Ghastly McNasty for the cover shows a fine (and traditional) Death Metal art, with contributions done by Annick Giroux on the color. The quartet focuses its energies on a classic format of Death Metal similar to what was unleashed by bands from UK and USA Schools of the 90s, with a brutal and traditional appeal that opens no spaces for modern/different elements (even with the Jazz-orientated bass guitar parts on the beginning of "Horde d'Invertébrés"). But the approach used by the band brings a fresh blow of wind to their own work, depicting that they still have some potential to be turned into music in the future. It's a massacre of aggressiveness and brutality, so enter the stage! Eight good Death Metal songs await to corrode your ears, and one can feel the potential of the band in many moments, but one can be sure that "La Bête Lumineuse", "Ombre Hantant les Ombres", "Horde d'Invertébrés", "Dendrites", "Flétrissement", "D'autres Corps", "Zisurru" and "Simulacre" is a pure delight for traditional Death Metal fans, with every elements they want (guttural growls, sharp guitar riffs and noisy leads, and a massive and brutal set of rhythms created by bass guitar and drums). "Simulacre" is just a beginning, so let's hope that DÉCRYPTAL can endure and bring something new in the future. For now, be welcome!