SUFFOCATION

Release Year: 2023
Artist Origin: USA
Style: devastating extreme technical death metal

almost twenty years were spent in the most ferocious mosh pit prior to this masterclass opus, but technical death metal wizardry blows away once again: certainly not mellowed with time, the sixth longplay [2009] by the masters of intricacy is a blistering vicious dose of the stubbornly precise and catchy seminal brutality, redefining the term and meaning of the "extreme", showcasing complex song structures and signature sweeping riffing - tight and cohesive interplay between Terrance Hobbs and Guy Marchais, delivering both crushing heaviness and melodic intricacy, while Frank Mullen's powerful guttural vocals certainly add some visceral intensity; recent German gatefold sleeve red/black "corona" vinyl edition with two bonuses - rough unmastered mix of Pray for Forgiveness and instrumental version of Dismal Dream, is strictly limited to 2000 units, and it is the final album with precise and punishing drumming by legendary Mike Smith, who has scandalously quit soon after