Album review: SUFFOCATION – Pinnacle Of Bedlam

Nuclear Blast – Out Now.

If you are not a fan of the extreme sound you might be excused from believing that the chances of finding innovation in a genre as strict in its rules as Death Metal are quite thin but that would also clearly indicate that you know nothing of Suffocation – the Long Island quintet whose outrageously guttural vocals, blistering riffs and sophisticated song-writing has helped define the genre since its inception.

Three years ago, the band signed a contract with Nuclear Blast and in “Blood Oath” released one of the most impressive albums of their career. Never ones to rest on their laurels, the noisy Americans have decided to unleash yet another product of sheer brutality, one that comes in the shape of a ten track album entitled “Pinnacle Of Bedlam”.

Creating an album to top or even match “Blood Oath” would be an unenviable task for any band but Suffocation are not ones to refuse a challenge, as suggested by the material on offer here. With drummer extraordinaire Dave Culross (ex Malevolent Creation, Incantation, Hateplow) once again behind the drums and with the guitar duet Terrance Hobbs/Guy Marchais in devilish form, these master noisemakers did what they know best and that is to create short, brutal but also technically and rhythmically challenging compositions that can and should only really be appreciated after persistent exposure to them.

If you ever wonder about the most appropriate way to introduce a Death Metal album then you need look no further than “Cycles Of Suffering” – a crunchy riffed tune filled with flamboyant leads and blistering snare drum beats that should please all fans of extreme music. Short but truly inspiring, “Purgatorial Punishment” succeeds in keeping a healthy momentum, while “Eminent Wrath” allows the band’s groovier side to come to the surface.

“As Grace Descends” features a top riff full of energy, while the moody harmonic leads and commanding vocals, courtesy of vocal legend Frank Mullen in “Sullen Days” elevate this composition to the status of “true highlight”. More flamboyant leads and technical guitar work can be found both in the same titled “Pinnacle Of Bedlam” and “Inversion”, while “My Demise” also stands out as a solid groove-ridden gem.

The band’s technical skills once again shine through in “Rapture Of Revocation”, while the closing opus “Beginning Of Sorrow” comes across as the product of healthy competition between the band’s two massively skilled axemen.

So, how does “Pinnacle Of Bedlam” fare when compared to its highly acclaimed predecessor and how does it deserve to be treated by the band’s loyal fan base? Well, while “Blood Oath” still retains the title of the album that managed to re-energise Suffocation and bring them closer to what one could describe as “commercial acclaim”, this ten track monster of an album comes pretty damn close in rivalling it.

As far as the band’s fans are concerned: well, with such a technically impressive and brutally honest album in their hands, what reason would they have to complain? This one’s not for the faint-hearted!

John Stefanis

Rating: **** (4.0/5.0)

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