AGRYPNIE is the only band who can take your typical Thrash Metal and turn it into a highly melodic symphony of peril and beauty. The tormenting sense of pain and anguish literally seeps from the blazing guitars, the blasting percussions, and the bobbing bass lines. Some of the most transcendental melodies ever created can be found on the band's first couple outings, but on their third effort, "16[485]", the German pioneers of Melo-Symphonic Thrash have taken it to a whole new level.

The first song, "Der Tote Trakt", sets the mood for the album perfectly, giving you just a small taste of what is to follow. It's a true testament to the grandiosity of their atmosphere and the depth of their melodic sensitivity. The nearly ten minute long track that follows is an overwhelming emotional rollercoaster, with fast and heavy chaotic grooves that seamlessly transition into warm and tender stringed ballads as you've never heard before. The crashing cymbals really add an explosive dynamic to the finish of this wonderful track, while it doesn't overpower any of the individual instruments. The production values of this album are incredible, to say the least.

AGRYPNIE's lyrics are all in German, just as on previous releases. The guttural yells are deep, but they have a slight high pitched shriek to the overall effect. In all honesty, it won't be to the taste of most Melodic Death fans, but it doesn't take away from the music at all. Aside from the first and last tracks, which basically serve as an intro and outro to the album, each song is completely infectious. It's the kind of album you will want to crank up as loud as you can and melt into.

By far the most epic soundtrack of 2010 so far, this is AGRYPNIE's finest piece of work to date. Hopefully it will gain them the recognition that they truly deserve, and open their sound up to a new audience across the world. Even if it doesn't, they seem to be a band that is bent on improving with each release no matter what. If you've been wondering about this band, it's time that you gave them a chance and cracked out this treasure for a spin.