Suffocation

For straight-up, brutal death metal, you can always count on New York's Suffocation, who don't disappoint with their latest, Pinnacle of Bedlam. It's been a long wait since 2009's Blood Oath, but they're back at what they do best, with the band's seventh full-length featuring their iconic mix of technicality, crushing riffs and heavy groove slams. The record sees the return of drummer Dave Culross (Malevolent Creation), marking his first album with Suffocation since 1998's classic Despise the Sun, and his presence is felt throughout, as he displays intense precision and speed. Guitarists Terrance Hobbs and Guy Marchais continue their dual guitar attack, with well-crafted shredding and technical leads, while vocalist Frank Mullen maintains his status as the master of the brutal, guttural growl. Although the band haven't switched up their sound, it isn't necessary when they've been doing what they do so well for over two decades. Pinnacle of Bedlam is an unrelenting barrage of old-school New York death metal, which is exactly what fans want and what Suffocation deliver with full, uncompromising force.