Suffocation

In terms of brutal death metal bands, Suffocation are highly revered. The latest effort from the band is classic Suffocation: a mix of technicality, groove and above all else, total brutality. Blood Oath is the New Yorkers' sixth full-length but their Nuclear Blast debut, and although it doesn't have the same inventiveness of Effigy of the Forgotten or Pierced From Within, the record still offers the familiarity of the legendary extremists. The album contains impossibly fast drumming, especially on the title track. "Pray For Forgiveness" includes shredding guitar solos and "Cataclysmic Purification" showcases some of the best guitar-driven grooves on the album. "Come Hell or High Priest" is an exceptionally dark tune, with vocalist Frank Mullen the epitome of brutal guttural growls. Blood Oath is a solid release, and after 20 years, Suffocation haven't strayed from the path they helped forge.