When a band becomes a veteran, each release is a new trial, because they must prove (to themselves and to their fans) that they are still worthy. Put in this idea the fact that we are speaking of a legendary band, a group that influenced many and created a new way. Well, it's a true trial, but to guys like the North American quintet SUFFOCATION, from New York, every trial seems to encourage the band. After the very good reception that "Pinnacle of Bedlam" got on 2013, what could we expect from "...Of the Dark Light", their new release?

The answer is simple: more brutality, with that elegant and technical way that they do since long ago. Since the quintet got a very good sound production, they gave a step ahead in their way of playing a technical and brutal form of Death Metal. Of course, you'll hear the dissonant parts, harmonic structures that received a strong influence from Jazz technique, but the explosive aggressiveness and brutal grasp of their work still the same from before. Let me tell you: "...Of the Dark Light" is really an excellent and amazing album, because the songs are really catchy!

Joe Cincotta worked once more with the band on the recording, and Zeuss is back on the mixing and mastering. They worked on "Pinnacle of Bedlam", and they are doing a very good work again, but in a different way. The sound quality is really excellent, proving to many that Brutal Death Metal bands can have a very good sound quality and sound even more brutal. Aggressive, nasty and truly catchy, but with that level of sound clarity that allows the fans to understand and absorb what the band offers in a very good way. The artwork of Colin Marks on the cover is very good, shaping what the band offers musically. Let me be honest: what Frank Mullen, Terrance Hobbs, Charlie Errigo, Derek Boyer and Eric Morotti made on "...Of the Dark Light" can be said as SUFFOCATION's finest moment.

The album is easy to be heard and understood, all the songs are really amazing. But I dare to point to the technical and brutal "Clarity Through Deprivation" (a great work from bass guitar and drums, because they are technical and heavy as Hell), the whiplashing guitars of "The Warmth Within the Dark", the hypnotic and catchy parts of "Your Last Breaths" (what great grunts, a work of a master on guttural vocals, indeed), the jazzistic guitar arrangements on "Of the Dark Light" (my neck is aching due the spontaneous headbanging due the tempo changes, and what excellent and sickening guitar solo), the oppressive and fast "Some Things Should Be Left Alone", and the amazing "Caught Between Two Worlds" as their best songs. But on this album, all the songs are amazing...wonderful pieces of Death Metal.

SUFFOCATION proves once more that they are kings on Death Metal, and "...Of the Dark Light" is one of the finest albums of this year!