Cave-In's ability to weave different sounds and moods throughout one song is simply uncanny. The band achieves this by deftly assembling multiple riffs and tempos in a manner that recalls
Metallica's Master of Puppets. The difference, though, is that
Beyond Hypothermia is much more extreme: more riffs, more tempos, and more chaos, screams, and confusion. Additionally,
Cave-In draw from a wider pool of influences than
Metallica could have at that point: hardcore-styled mosh grooves, evocative strains that recall
Split Lip's Midwestern emo, and occasional black/death metal riffing dance atop the traditional foundation of
Black Sabbath and
Iron Maiden. Wherever
Beyond Hypothermia goes, though, it remains consistently heavy and cohesive, an additional wonder considering the album is a collection of various sessions. ~ Matthew Kantor