|
|
|
|
Sticking to their guns are Florida's Monstrosity, back with another instant old-school death metal classic after a few years' studio album hiatus. Groove-heavy "The Exordium" kicks this one off, with variations of the main riff slithering underneath the guitar solos. "Awaiting Armageddon" follows, using a nice transition into some blastbeats to set up the crushing and sick mosh breakdown. Jason Avery belts out some notable high-end vocals on "Chemical Reaction", flanked by tough chunks and slides courtesy of ex-frontman-turned-guitarist Sam Molina and long-time axeman Tony Norman. Monstrosity's patented slow groove returns for "A Casket for the Soul", this time garnished with a descending 16th note riff; bassist Mike Poggione also shines on this track. Rapid-fire bursts of trem-picked choked guitar belches with matching bass drums then assault your ears during "Visions of Violence" before the album is topped off with "Shadow of Obliteration", a song with more dive bombs than a winter day at Pearl Harbour. Drummer Lee Harrison was the primary producer of the album, and delivers another rock-steady performance, though at times I found his snare drum to be slightly drowned out by hi-hats. "Rise to Power" will easily keep Monstrosity amongst the top echelon of death metal bands worldwide, and is already on my list of favorites for the year.
| Tracklist |
| 1. The Exordium |
| 2. Awaiting Armageddon |
| 3. Wave Of Annihilation |
| 4. The Fall Of Eden |
| 5. Chemical Reaction |
| 6. A Casket For The Soul |
| 7. Rise To Power |
| 8. Visions Of Violence |
| 9. From Wrath To Ruin |
| 10. Abysmal Gods |
| 11. Shadow Of Obliteration |
: N/A
| Buy other Monstrosity albums |
