I'll cut to the chase. Is this the greatest death metal album of all time? Shit, I don't know. Maybe. It certainly sets itself apart from the death metal collective on a number of levels, namely the presence of Lord Worm, who succumbed to the allure of a "real job" with a beer company following the release of None So Vile almost four years ago, a decision that still induces mass lamenting and gnashing of teeth. This sense of perpetual bereavement comes as no surprise. While he may not be the most versatile vocalist ever to growl and scream his way through the genre, his legendary presence and knack for penning sheer nihilistic hell have yet to be surpassed - from the lyrical vitriol of opener "Crown of Horns" to "Slit Your Guts" and "Benedictine Convulsions," detailing the defilement and slaughter of the residents of a monastery. Yeah, it supersedes fucked up. I miss him already.

But the success of None So Vile is not entirely contingent on the input of Lord Worm. Musically, Cryptopsy is the equivalent of a repeated adrenaline shot to the heart - think a satanic Pulp Fiction - fueled by one of the most exciting and talented drummers in extreme metal, Flo Mournier, who is the true impetus behind the band's success, constantly challenging the other members to keep up without completely overpowering them. A rare talent indeed. In fact, Cryptopsy is one of those few bands in whose music I find myself honing in on the percussion instead of the guitar. (Yes, air drumming does exist.) Losing Lord Worm was one thing, but losing Flo would forever cripple the band. His absence would create a much more devastating void.

The greatest death metal release of all time? I doubt it. But I could be wrong, since the presence of Lord Worm and Flo Mournier created a unique chemistry that, in my eyes, remains unmatched. A genuine rarity. My suggestion: save yourself some money by picking up None So Vile before it goes out of print again. Or procrastinate and pay out your ass for it. It's worth it.