When you’re someone who receives new music daily — sometimes hourly — there simply isn’t enough time to absorb everything that comes in. That’s unfortunate, because I know I miss out on some great releases despite my best efforts. And honestly, that saddens me.
Take the new album from MONSTROSITY, Screams From Beneath the Surface (out now via Metal Blade Records). I’ve had this promo sitting in my inbox for a few months now, but I only recently had the chance to really sink my teeth into it.
No knock on the band — this one simply fell into what I affectionately call a “time-slot casualty,” but I managed to get to it just as it came out this past Friday. So let’s see what’s happening ’round these parts, whaddaya say? First, the good stuff…
“The Atrophied” and “Spiral” immediately get the heart rate up, while “Vapors” drives forward with serious intensity. “The Thorns” also stands out, featuring some of the strongest guitar work on the entire record.
On the flip side, I wasn’t completely sold on the opener, “Banished to the Skies.” It feels a bit plodding to kick things off — at least to my ears. My only other gripe is that some of the later tracks blur together slightly as the album progresses.
That said, closer “Veil of Disillusion” is a banger with a capital B!
All told, the boys in MONSTROSITY delivered a solid record with Screams From Beneath the Surface. It may not have me sprinting to the repeat button, but there’s plenty here for death metal fans to appreciate.
STANDOUT TRACKS: “Veil of Disillusion,” “Spiral,” “Vapors,” “The Thorns”
RATING: 8/10
—THE MAESTRO
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