These Slovakian brutalheads unleash hell for 2 decades already and “XX” is a cool compilation with a selection of 20 tracks throughout their entire discography. They released (as far as I know) 5 demos and three full length albums and changed from a brutal Death Metal band with a lot of intense Grind influences and rather Scandinavian melodies to brutal Death primarily. With sometimes pretty interesting songtitles like ‘A Dead Stone’ and ‘Never’, ‘Fourth’ and ‘We Are Techno’ their old style could be compared to first ATROCITY, GORGUTS, HATE and NILE. Actually they are the CRYPTOPSY of Slovakia, but less chaotic and better, if you ask me. The level differs from release to release, but especially on their demos and first album not original, but above average and ranging from good to very good with some great moments! The guitars have the type of riffing that increases intensity, not focusing on brutality and heaviness only, but having balls to use some weird melodies and effects to give it a twisted turn. Vocals are brutal without stranding in dullness. Another point that needs attention is the talent of former drummer Robo. What a hell of fast, tight and technical skills. No matter if it’s midspeed, fast, blasting or hyperblasting, it’s always in key together with cool fills. Very import for Grindcore and a real pleasure to listen to. A killer track like ‘The Lost Future’ reminded me even of good old CARBONIZED. Unfortunately the demo days are represented in random tracks only instead of a re-release of all of them, but since this album is a ‘best-of’ compilation it’s clear why not everything’s featured. Their first album “The Secret Around Us” had a great impact. Second album “When Angels Begin To Cry” leanded more to the brutal US style which even increased on their most recent album “Blasphemy”. An album that was good but not as distinguishable from many others and without that extra piece of spontanity that make the demos and “The Secret Around Us” rule better and a featured here above their later work. So this compilation is a good way to discover some talent from the past. Check www.myspace.com/contemptsk for more info and soundbytes.