Suffocation - Pinnacle of Bedlam (2013)

The legendary death metal outfit Suffocation have returned for yet another foray into brutality with "Pinnacle of Bedlam." On my first listen, I'd say it's about on par both stylistically and quality-wise with Dying Fetus' "Reign Supreme." It features pretty much everything you'd want from a tech-death album: a perfect balance between complex riffage and melody, clear and enunciated growls, and highly competent drumming. This is one of those albums that takes death metal back to its roots and shows you why you fell in love with it in the first place. It's a solid thrill-ride all the way through, and bound to be one of the year's best death metal releases.
9.5/10