For the uneducated, in 1998 New York death metal powerhouses Dehumanized released their debut album “Prophecies Foretold”. Like a lot of bands, life got in the way. They had a brief restart around 2005 that resulted in a two song “Man Vs. Man” demo. Finally in 2012 comes the long, long, long overdue sophomore album “Controlled Elite”. It's a aggressive technical precise beat down monster that stands firmly on its own. It also didn’t hurt that Dying Fetus' cover of 'Fade into Obscurity' on their “History Repeats” EP brought some new eyes and ears to their classic song.

Recorded by the skillful Joe Cincotta (Catastophic) at Full Force Studios in Long Island NY we get eleven slabs of brutal. Right from the first second 'Bloodties' kicks you in the teeth, vocalist Mike Centrone (Through The Discipline) commands you pay attention with growls hardened by the New York scene. Rich Nagasawa and partner in axe Paul Tavora pepper this album with some great solos, ‘His Burden’ says it all. Even Suffocation’s Frank Mullen loaned his throat for the title track. Because one is not enough, Suffo guitarist Terrence Hobbs laid down an insane solo for the 'Root of Evil'. Drummer George Torres is a machine, he’s faster and more fluid then the last album and damn does he know how to pulverize a breakdown. Just pick any song. Bassist Anthony Cossu is right in the pocket with George, laying some well heard low end. There's even a few very well placed bass drops that actually add something to their respective songs.

If you weren't there in the mid 90s you never will be, But Dehumanized can once again shine brightly and show you what you've missed. This record should have been out 12 years ago, even if it was worth the wait. Let’s not wait so long next time guys. With “Controlled Elite” fans will be treated to a real slice of New York styled death metal.