CoC : Suffocation - Pierced From Within : Review

Suffocation - _Pierced From Within_
(Roadrunner/Attic Records, 1995)
by: Gino Filicetti (7 out of 10)

Another release from one of New York's biggest death metal acts, Suffocation. Being recorded at the legendary Morrisound Studios by the death metal demigod himself, Scott Burns, it's no wonder that 'Pierced From Within' manages to live up to, if not surpass previous Suffocation efforts. This album is chocked full of clever tempo changes and amazing lead riffs in the vein of Carcass's 'Heartwork'. Doug Cerrito and Terrance Hobbs prove to the world that death metal does in fact have some of the greatest guitar whizzes around. Despite the extensive use of lead work on this album, Suffocation do not lose any of their renouned heaviness. Churning guitar riffs are found everywhere on this release. Some of my favorite tracks include 'Torn Into Enthrallment' with it's acoustic intro, and solid grinding riffs, 'Depths of Depravity' with its amazing bass intro and 'Brood of Hatred' definitely has the best lyrics on this album. Also included is 'Breeding The Spawn' a re-recorded bonus track. Overall I liked this album, but I was disappointed with the lack of vocal variances, and likewise, I also got a little bit of the 'sameness' feeling while listening to it.

(article published 12/8/1995)

ALBUMS
7/5/2009	J Smit	9	Suffocation - Blood Oath
8/31/2006	J Montague	9.5	Suffocation - Suffocation
5/7/2004	J Smit	9	Suffocation - Souls to Deny
7/8/1998	P Schwarz	9	Suffocation - Despise the Sun

GIGS
6/9/1996	A Gaudrault	Suffocation / Fleshgrind / Obscene Crisis / Rotting	Gasping For Air