(((O))) Review: Monstrosity – Screams From Beneath The Surface

Monstrosity have more than a bit of pedigree when it comes to death metal, with former members having been part of major scene players. Having gone through numerous line-up changes, with only Lee Harrison (drums) as a constant though-out, they are now a relatively stable proposition.

Which is great news, as new album Screams From Beneath The Surface is a bit of a beast in terms of the genre. Situated plainly within the old school template, it understands the music that needs to be played, and is delivered in a way which literally explodes from the speakers. The production itself is crisp and whilst this may take away from some of the more murky elements of classic death metal, it allows for the technicality to shine through. Listen to second track ‘The Colossal Rage’ for a masterclass in tightness and allowing the solos to burst through.

Energy is not something that is in short supply either, as ‘The Atrophied’ testifies. ‘Spiral’ is full of those old school gnarly riffs which made death metal so exciting, whilst the blast beats sputter in the background. The band retain the intensity throughout, even when they drop into a slow churn, like a coiled spring ready to unfurl. Rather than every track being a full pelt roar, there is an increasing need to experiment with the riffs, making the album quite a thrilling listen in terms of keeping it fresh. ‘Fortunes Engraved In Blood’ is a great example of this, with the music twisting and turning through almost freestyle riffing.

‘Vapors’ has a great groove to it which counteracts the moments when it hits full throttle. This groove returns later on ‘Blood Works’ too marking a notable and refreshing change from a lot of current death metal bands who seem to have replaced this element with a much more brutal finish. Whilst brutality is a key element, it was always the groove which made death metal so much fun in the first place. Here it’s available by the bucketload. It also makes it all the more surprising when ‘The Dark Aura’ hits you like it’s the greatest doom song of all time. An unexpected moment on an already great album, evoking the early days of Paradise Lost in one track.

Rounding up with the grind of ‘Veil Of Disillusion’, it’s pleasing to note that Screams From Beneath The Surface ends in a way which wraps up a rather tremendous album. Certainly one of the better death metal releases this year, there’s enough in it to keep you coming back over and over again and could very well see itself sitting high on those album of the year lists. An album which contains all the elements which make death metal so much fun when done correctly, it’s almost as if the glory days are back again