New York death metal legends SUFFOCATION unleash their ninth full-length album, Hymns from the Apocrypha, via Nuclear Blast. The follow-up to ...of the Dark Light (2017) pushes founder Terrance Hobbs (guitars), Derek Boyer (bass), Charles Errigo (guitars), Eric Morotti (drums), and newcomer Ricky Myers (vocals) to the very edges of extremity and is arguably the groups strongest-sounding, most sonically punishing album yet. SUFFOCATION have achieved death metal perfection.
SUFFOCATION were founded in Long Island, New York, in 1988. Since then, they released foundational classics like Effigy of the Forgotten (1991), Breeding the Spawn (1993), and Pierced from Within (1995), with post-reformation slabs of savagery Souls to Deny (2004), Suffocation (2006), and Pinnacle of Bedlam (2013) proving death metal was not only SUFFOCATIONs to own but that it also continued to be a viable art form. To date, theyve played over 2,000 shows, giving audiences from the United States and Germany to Australia and Brazil unforgettable blasts and trademark slams. Truly, the groups global influence is unmistakable and undeniable. Hymns from the Apocrypha isnt merely another album from the New Yorkers but a statement of intent. SUFFOCATION always have been and are here to slay.
SUFFOCATION took about a month and a half to record Hymns from the Apocrypha. They holed up at Hobbs and Boyers InLine Studio in Long Island. The duo engineered and co-produced with Christian Donaldson (Beneath the Massacre, Ingested), who was also re-enlisted to mix and master, with Dominic Grimard (Cryptopsy, Shadow of Intent) assisting. If Breeding the Spawn was Suffoations production nadir, then Hymns from the Apocrypha is arguably the groups strongest-sounding, most sonically punishing album yet. From the growling bass and inhuman vocals on Perpetual Deception to the merciless guitar crunch of Hobbs/Errigo and rapid-fire drumming on Embrace the Suffering, SUFFOCATION have achieved death metal perfection.
With stunning cover art by Greek illustrator Giannis Nakos (Vomitory, The Crown), Hymns from the Apocrypha is characteristically SUFFOCATION. That is to say, its uncompromisingly brutal, artistically gutsy, and aurally heavy. Clearly, SUFFOCATION, as they head into their 35th Anniversary, are at the peak of their potential. Death metal or die!
Perseverance isnt easy, says Hobbs. Playing aggressive music is in our blood. Being a live band with actual recordings that are back-to-the-roots of being a real band—not a digital representation of over-edited stuff in todays overwhelmed music industry—shows who we are. SUFFOCATION, as a live band, is key to us all. I wouldve never thought that this would be a 35-year endeavor, but its great that it has! We have met so many bands, fans, and friends out there. Its inspiring to see that kind of support. Hopefully, well keep everyone paying attention to SUFFOCATION for another 100 years!
We’re coming to mash you into the dirt and drop some serious American Death Metal for your ears – hope to see all you death metal slam-infested freaks in the pit!”
