Artist: Suffokate
Album: No Mercy, No Forgiveness
Genre: Deathcore
Label: Mediaskare

California’s heavyhitters, Suffokate, is a pretty accurate snapshot of where deathcore is currently at. The genre may be heading towards an impending doom but when an exceptional release comes around, it reminds the world there is still something to embrace from the seemingly dying trend. No Mercy, No Forgiveness, is unfiltered, unapologetic deathcore at its finest. Suffokate have been perpetual tour machines but haven’t released anything new since Oakland in 2004, now they return with a vengeance. After 5 years and a lengthy delay in waiting, their highly anticipated sophomore album, No Mercy, No Forgiveness, is now available on Mediaskare.

Suffokate have gathered an impressive loyal fan base through an endless touring schedule, even going an extensive year and a half straight.Through natural progression and a revamped line up they introduce a newly refined sound. New vocalist, Ricky Hoover brings more of a metal range unlike his predecessor Jared, who stuck to a hardcore sound. Rick’s monsterous voice is Earth-shattering and balanced between low gutturals and high, mids, and lower registers screams, his diversity is compelling. As far as his lyrical craft goes, his angsty vocals are up to par with his dark and hate filled words. This album is filled to the brim with anger towards individuals and his utter hatred towards organized religion and its influence on society. His anti-religious and anti-humanity stand points result in his longing for the world to destroy itself, which seems to be an ongoing theme of this record.

It becomes instantly clear on opening track, “Constant Urge To Kill,” that drummer, Lars Dias, is influenced by Meshuggah’s poly rhythmic drum work, which is becoming more common in death metal. While most drummers overuse this technique, he uses it just enough to make it work. Another memorable track “While They Sleep,” uses an engaging telephone effect that abrupts into a heavy assault of thick vocals and bone crushing drums. Continuing to shine, Dias, exhibits vigorous double bass blasts that are especially noteworthy in “Not The Fallen,” which is one of a couple tracks that convey a message of disgust towards religion. Lyrics, “religion is sickness, I’m the cure,” is screamed with profuse emotion leading to a brief instrumental pause and then you’re hit with the deep vocal line, “NOTHING IS SACRED,” which is sure to make your heart stop. Culminating with an intense groove section, the closing bars end with a rally of chants.. Guitarists, Tesoro Protomartir and Taylor Jones alternate lead and rhythm positions and both can shred. “Power Of Submission,” has a sweet techy melodic solo while showing their dynamics, “While They Sleep,” exhibits a faster more intricate solo. Following the deathcore template, they do incorporate slow lumbering breakdowns that will pummel you into oblivion, but unlike their counterparts they don’t rely solely on them.

Suffokate transcend their hardcore persona by progressing into a heavier driven sound and they are now more forceful than ever. No Mercy, No Forgiveness is filled with thunderous leads, bass drops, weighty riffs, underlying melodies and colossal and ominous vocals all wrapped in resentment. They have vastly improved their songwriting and musicianship since starting in 2003 and hopefully they aren’t going to be silent for another half a decade before another release. Be sure to catch their intense live show, they are currently on the “The Small Shakedown Tour,” along side The Ghost Inside, For The Fallen Dreams, and Your Demise.

Score: 8.5/10
Review written by: Nerissa Judd

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James Shotwell

James Shotwell is the founder of Under The Gun Review. He loves writing about music and movies almost as much as he loves his two fat cats. He's also the co-founder of Antique Records and the Marketing Coordinator for Haulix. You should probably follow him on Twitter.

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