With the release of their seventh album, “Pinnacle of Bedlam, Suffocation show no signs of stopping or resting given their punishing track record on previous efforts. This time it's a concept album without being tied to one specific story. Opening track 'Cycles of Suffering', kicks right in with a sledge hammer to the face. Frank Mullen sounds as monstrous as ever. With 'Eminent Wrath', guitarists Terrence Hobbs and Guy Marchais throw out some of the tastiest harmonies and solos to be heard in Death Metal today. The production was handled brilliantly by long time engineer, Joe Cincotta (Catastrophic) of Full Force Studios in Long Island New York. However when it came to the mixing and mastering, they went with Chris 'Zeuss' Harris this time around. His work shines on 'As Grace Descends' and 'Pinnacle of Bedlam', every song sounds huge and in your face.

The big thing I picked up on with this album is how fast it moves. Clocking in at roughly 35 minutes its full on but thanks to the moody 'Sullen Days' breaking up the super speed with a slower head banging pace. If anyone had to replace Mike Smith it's Dave Culross. Hell, he was in the band before. It’s like a mini Despise the Sun reunion and a Pyrexia one with Guy. Dave fits perfectly in with his former brothers and gives the album a funky adrenaline shot. Derek Boyer and Dave compliment each other really well too. The crew brings this album to a massively intense close with 'Rapture Of Revocation'. Its a sludgey and breakdown inducing neck breaker you want to never stop.

If you’re lucky (or smart) enough to get one of the special edition versions of this album you’ll be treated to another Breeding the Spawn recording. This time around it's 'The Beginning of Sorrow' with Mike Smith and his classic blast and pound being laid down. It all goes to show you that Suffocation is a band that keeps grinding along no matter who's behind the kit. This Death Metal beast won’t stop.