Annotations of an Autopsy

British outfit Annotations of an Autopsy are a difficult band to categorize. They're a step above the regurgitated sound of deathcore, yet the core elements in their music hold them back from being straight-up death metal. Lodged somewhere in between, AoaA unleash their second full-length, The Reign of Darkness. The album was mixed by legendary Hate Eternal main-man Erik Rutan (Cannibal Corpse, Nile), who is also featured on the track "Bone Crown," and undoubtedly adds some of his intrinsic brutality to the release. The Reign of Darkness contains the usual chugging death metal riffs and lightning-fast drumming, along with hardcore-style breakdowns and monotone vocal roars. But while AoaA take some of these hardcore-infused death metal elements from prime acts like Dying Fetus, it's not exactly as innovative. However, with tight musicianship and some catchy hooks, AoaA put forth a worthy effort. Slower, doom-esque instrumental track "VII: The Horror, The Destruction..." also adds some much needed variety.