Whereas the Metal cynic might view the current scene as a 'Too Many Chefs' sort of situation, those of use with perspective to spare can find a lot of great Metal dishes being served up these days. A keen ear can feast on fusion attempts alone for weeks, and when it comes to two great sounds sounding great together, what better pairing than Black and Death? Surely the culinary equivalent would be a tag-team of French and Italian gourmands.

One need not wait on any exclusive European restaurant guest lists to imbibe the choice filets of Blackened Death on the menu of "The Cyclic Reckoning", the new album by modern Minnesota wrecking crew SUFFERING HOUR. Where some bands find their second full-length release to be something of an albatross, SUFFERING HOUR seems to have taken extra care to incubate their new creation. Their 2017 debut, "In Passing Ascension", had wings and knew how to fly, taking some creative liberties with the fusion project that straddled the line of experimentation and ultimately came out better for it. With only 2019's EP "Dwell" to offer a glimpse of their evolution, their sophomore effort lives up to its predecessor by pressing the gas pedal further down.

The first track, which is also the shortest at five and a half minutes, "Strongholds Of Awakening" winds up and explodes like a web of lightning, playing as if each note shatters the note ahead of it. "Transcending Antecedent Visions" follows with similarly soaring guitars, but has a heavier, almost melancholy vibe to it, in line, perhaps, with the band's name and overall motif of despair.

"The Abrasive Black Dust Part II" is the spiritual sequel to the song of the same name on the debut album, but apart from the name, the similarities are few. "Obscuration" keeps up with what has been working so far, showcasing the deliberately chosen chords which can stand so far apart or whip on a melody so smoothly you could miss the rest of the song.

Transitioning to the final track, "The Foundations Of Servitude" is a sixteen-and-a-half minute epic which is altogether as dynamic as it is nearly flawless, changing moods and tempos and focuses and breaking down from the triumphant beginning to a depressing middle before coming back for another heavy round in the end. If the band calls it quits a day after this review is published, this song would be a fine magnum opus.

But let's hope that isn't the case. SUFFERING HOUR has struck while the time is right and after putting their best foot forward four years ago, they've truly stepped up big for "The Cyclic Reckoning". Blackened Death Metal has worked for decades, and this album is both state-of-the-art exhibition of and supreme throwback to those incredible old days. "Strongholds Of Awakening" and "Obscuration" in particular are excellent tracks, sure to gain a spot in the All-2021 playlist. The album as a whole could also make a good addition to the background music for a D&D or Pathfinder evil campaign.

Whatever your use for it, "The Cyclic Reckoning" should be an easy addition to any Metalhead's library. It's a brave album if not exactly revolutionary, and at almost forty-five minutes it's a bit longer than most, however, not one of those minutes is wasted on unnecessary sounds and it is very much in the running for Album of the Year. So, bright as it is, what does the future hold for SUFFERING HOUR? Only time, and album three, will tell.