Suffocation are back with their latest opus, ‘Hymns From The Apocrypha’, and a collection of nine absolutely battering tracks on which to feast.

From the moment the title track kicks in it is brutally evident that the sole purpose and aspiration of these American Death Metal legends is one of devastation and ferocious, calculated violence. The drum work from Morotti is punishing and complex in equal measures, the kick work is developed and intricate yet powerful and battering with every beat that is deployed. The fragile strings of Hobbs and Errigo are manipulated and worked with dexterity and intricacy, the solos on ‘Hymns From The Apocrypha’ and ‘Seraphim Enslavement’ are particular standouts, the sophistication and delicacy is mesmerising and how they intertwine with the other factions of the aural art is hypnotic and commendable with magnetic charm.

‘Delusions Of Mortality’ sees Myers reach deeper depths with the guttural growls and snarls which he detonates from the bottom of his very soul. The way he stalks each track with aggression and brutality is reminiscent of an apex predator hunting out its prey with precision and venomous intent, true malice and decadence, virulent spite, as beautiful as they are toxic and lethal.

As the album progressed with the likes of ‘Descendants’ and ‘Embrace The Suffering’, it is evident that there is a maturity on display which is as a result of a robust evolution which has taken the band through impressive milestone after inspiring landmark before reaching this point in time, pretty much Death Metal personified and all wrapped in a package of caustic, vehement and ruthless Death Metal of the highest order.

After allowing myself time to absorb the album and take a little respite to recover from the
battering my soul had just been accustomed to, I can reflect and quite safely say that this is an album of complexity, intricacy, brutal and devastating crunching riffs all backed up by colossal bass lines, and beautiful flourishing, antagonistic vocals. If you like your music heavy, two words …………… get this!!!

(9/10 Phil Pountney)

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https://suffocation.bandcamp.com/album/hymns-from-the-apocrypha