Death metal legends Suffocation make a comeback to the underground scene with their new self-titled album. The band has never been considered an innovative act, but they are certainly some of the most underrated death metal musicians ever. This is clearly noticeable on the band’s new album. This isn’t your typical generic death metal where sometimes bands try to cram all the mayhem they can conjure into a two minute song. Suffocation is a band that isn’t afraid to play around with their music; the death metal rhythm is mixed with old school trash beats ala Slayer or early Testament. The “progressive” approach the band takes is more obvious with the brilliant guitar work from Terrance Hobbs and Guy Marchais. Both axmen toy with melodies and catchy hooks that when combined with the distorted and raw guitar riffs create a very aggressive and ear-piercing experience. On the vocal department Fran Mullen gives what should be a standard for death metal singers. His growls could not be more menacing and the best part is that you can actually understand what he’s saying.

All the craziness the band creates is keep on a short leash by Mike Smith. The drummer who created the infamous blast beat that every other death metal and black metal band tries to imitate, brings his skills to a higher level showing any drummer out there who’s the best. His playing is not only extremely fast but extremely technical.

Suffocation also demonstrates what it is to create an album that is consistent. There isn’t a single filler to be found here which comes like a breath of fresh air, mainly because although there are many good death metal bands a lot of them become very monotonous halfway into an album. Suffocation keeps their game up by writing tunes that stand on their own two feet with out any help. Although you won’t find any songs here that will disappoint death metal fans, there are a few tracks that rank a little higher. “Oblivion”, “Misconceived”, “The End of Ends” and album closer “Prelude to Repulsion” are examples of a band that is literally blasting through out every song and wants the listener to have a sore neck after the album is over.

Suffocation has written an incredible and punishing record that will raise hell when it’s played live. The band’s ability to write real songs and the intensity of their playing will leave any death metal fan out there begging for more. Judging by the quality of this record it’s safe to say that there will be plenty of Suffocation for years to come because this band always fails to disappoint.