Is it possible for an old Metal genre to have a different and new outfit, after years and years of use? The answer is simply: yes, because no one can do again what acts as BLACK SABBATH, MOTÖRHEAD, JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN, METALLICA, POSSESSED, BATHORY, DEATH, TROUBLE, CANDLEMASS, PARADISE LOST, MY DYING BRIDE and others already did, but can find on their own a different way. This is how Metal genres evolve, without losing their roots. And “Grand Canvas of the Aesthete”, the latest release of the North American quintet SUFFER depicts how things can be done in such different ways.

No one doubt that they’re a Death Metal quintet, with strong roots in the most classic ways possible, similar to what MORBID ANGEL did on “Covenant”. But on the other hand, the band uses some influences that are different of the usual (as the melodic guitar solos on “Grand Canvas of the Aesthete”, and the snarls of the vocals that are into a more Blackened Death Metal way, far from the usual guttural grunts), creating a personal outfit for its music. It’s really very good, with unexpected rhythmic shifts, and even some groove can be heard on the rhythms and instrumental arrangements (that is a rich feature on their hands). The band brought Andreas Linnemann for the mixing and mastering, and Eddie G. for the recordings, and they created a massive and brutal sonority, respecting the models that already exist, but with an improved definition that enables the hearers to understand clearly what they’re playing. And what a very good cover!

Musically, the fans with hear some Blackened Death Metal and Death/Thrash Metal influences on the songs, but “Grand Canvas of the Aesthete” (very good slow-paced tempos and sharp guitar riffs and solos), “Ashened Frolic; The Exquisite Promenade” (an oppressive slow song with some blast beats, and a good work on bass guitar and drums), “Inhalent Caustic Foray” (a caustic song, again with fine guitars and a very good work on the vocals, with screams and snarls contrasting with grunts), “Carnal Flesh Parade” (another excellent oppressive song rich in instrumental arrangements), and “Human Primal Cuts” are the right ones to begin with devour such good release.

As their second album, “Grand Canvas of the Aesthete” is pointing to a bright future. For now, SUFFER seems to be getting far from the usual Death Metal models.