Deteriorot has been around since 1990 and is one of the pioneers of American death metal, while not as well known as Deicide, Cannibal Corpse or Obituary , they are definetly one of the OG of the genre with an extensive body of work. So lets check out Awakening, their most recent effort and the brutality that lies within. The record starts with the title track/info , beginning with a haunting , slow riff and layered guitars , its reminiscent of being at the top of the roller coaster hill for 2 seconds before the first downhill plunge as "The Flame" the first full song has no such subtlety.  Founding member Paul Zavatela s vocals are raw and unpolished and perfect for this genre after the initial pummeling, there is a slight tempo change too, good balance to open the record. "In Battle to Survive" is up next and this is my favorite track on the record , the riff is a pit starting neck cramp and James Goetz blasts away on the drums with absolutely brutal fills. Once again , groove , and brutality showcased, chances of survival are pretty good here.

"Horrors in an Everlasting Nightmare" and "A Ghost in the Mirror" are next and things slow down tempo wise, bordering on tepid but also showing a strong doom influence too, which some will appreciate. Things pick back up with "Deliver us From Fiction" again featuring great drum work as well as spot on lyrics about people not being able to think for themselves, and of course pummeling guitars with a thrashy riff that is a banger. The next standout track is "Winter Moon" which of the doom influenced tracks, this is the best as the zombie apocalypse is in full swing. "In Silence and " The Spirit" close things out with one being slower and the final track a 2 minute gut punch, which is i think where these guys are at their best. In closing it is great to see old heads still making albums and touring , this is not anything to re invent the wheel , however if you were a Deteriorot fan before, you definitely still will be.