01. Oblivion
02. Abomination Reborn
03. Redemption
04. Bind Torture Kill
MP3
05. Inis Concieved
06. Translucent Patterns of Delirium
07. Creed of the Infidel
08. Regret
09. Entrails of You
10. The End of Ends
11. Prelude To Repulsion
2006 Relapse Records
Our score
8
Just like Deicide and Cannibal Corpse, New York death metal torchbearers Suffocation have had spots of bad luck with some of their recent records (Scars of The Crucifix and The Wretched Spawn for Deicide and Cannibal Corpse respectively; Souls To Deny on Suffocation's musical resume.) Yet, the technical masters who brought forth genre classics like Effigy of the Forgotten, Pierced From Within, Human Waste and Despise The Sun bring back that glory with their latest, a self titled effort for Relapse which dropped late 06. With somewhat new bassist Derek Boyer, formerly of the California death metal killing machine known as Decrepit Birth joining founding members Frank Mullen (vocals), Terrance Hobbs (guitar), Mike Smith (drums) and OG guitarist Guy Marchais (who was with Suffo back in '90 and returned in '04 with the rest of the gang for "Souls") this longtime Long Island unit knows the business of brutality very well but occasionally pulls some wild card moves.
While "Souls to Deny" had some good tracks, there didn't seem to be a lot of cohesion/focus (perhaps due to the fair span of time between records) and the sound left something to be desired. Both of those afflictions no longer plague the band and the evidence is here, especially when it comes to tracks like "Abomination Reborn," with its cavalcade of crushing riffs and searing solos, "Bind Torture Kill" which comes at you like a semi, while "Creed Of The Infidel" is high intensity rage defined, and "Entrails of You" is perhaps the perfect revenge song for the love scorned and song, bubbling over with anger and contempt. All tracks in general here feature the complex time changes and lacerating licks you've come to expect from Suffocation, with sinister recitations from Mullen, who continues to be one of the strongest voices in the scene. Of course, the other members never disappear from the forefront; Terrence Hobbs and Guy Marchais duel it out on occasion but for the most part work in tandem to guarantee unholy guitar mayhem that remains memorable and worth repeated listens to untangle all the technicality. Derek Boyer fires off strong bass lines, with equal parts finesse and determination, while Mike Smith demonstrates why he remains one of death metal's greatest drummers, with tons of inventive fills, thundering double bass and in many instances, playing that defines the standards set by peers and upstarts alike. Lyrically, Suffocation doesn't tread much new ground, but at least the topics are a bit more varied, and it works to their advantage.
Recording wise, Suffocation's tough as nails technical death metal finally gets the treatment it deserves, especially noticeable in light of the poor shape "Souls To Deny" came out in. All the complexity comes to the surface with a clear wash, but the heaviness doesn't get glossed out, retaining all the rage that Suffocation invokes so very well. The layout is nice, with good photography, original artwork and easy to read lyrics (I despise bands who don't include their lyrics, use portions of them or make them completely illegible.)
Bottom Line: Anyone hoping for an Effigy or Pierced will likely come away from Suffocation not completely satisfied but far from soured, while those disappointed by Souls To Deny need to give these guys another chance. Suffocation remain one of the last, true flagships of death metal, writing some of the definitive anthems that stand the test of time 15 years later. This record has got the same quality Suffocation for now and the future; don't miss out.
bind torture kill makes me wanna pit furiously.