Monstrosity have been around for ages. Spawned from the depths of the Florida death metal scene, they released their first album back in 1992. The band has always suffered from line up changes with probably the most significant being the move of vocalist George Fischer to Cannibal Corpse in 1996. In spite of all this, Lee Harrison has continued the band releasing an album every 2-3 years.

Over the years though Monstrosity have always remained on the periphery of my vision. Nothing that I’d heard from the band made me want to actively follow them.

Spiritual Apocalypse is the 6^th and latest album from this band with only Lee Harrison (drums) remaining from the original line-up and a new vocalist and a new guitarist. Considering this, it came as a huge surprise to find the band delivering some kickass death metal on Spiritual Apocalypse. The songs on this album consists of brutal grooves, melody and some very deft technical playing.

The band sound at times like Morbid Angel mixed in with parts that sound like a heavier Quo Vadis. I know that sounds like a weird mix but hear me out here. There’s melody. Right through this album, no matter how heavy or brutal it gets, there’s an underlying sense of melody in the riffs and in the structures. There are some very nice guitar solos too that fit perfectly with the songs. At the same time the riffs are brutal, heavy and groovy as fuck.

The album starts with the title song “Spiritual Apocalypse” which reminds me of early Malevolent Creation, (particularly the Retribution album) in parts but retain these melodic guitar flourishes that add a touch of originality to the song. “Firestorm” has an extended lead guitar section half way through and a mid paced groove that works superbly. Its apparent that the band is very focused and confident on this record. Most songs on the album are around 5 minutes in length. Enough time to experiment and flesh out the songs and at the same time not long enough to bore the listener.

I have to say that Lee Harrison’s drumming through out this album is nothing short of spectacular. Tasteful double bass patterns and the occasional blast beats serve to enhance the feel of the songs rather than overpower them. Vocalist Mike Hrubovcak sounds great alternating between a deep guttural growl and a high pitched screech that is used rarely but with good effect.

Another area that Spiritual Apocalypse scores points in, is that for a death metal band, this album has a lot of depth. In fact the stronger songs are all tucked away in the second half of the album with “The Inhuman Race” (which has THE death metal intro of the year) and “Sacred Oblivion” standing out in particular with the perfect mix of technicality and memorable grooves. This is an essential album for anybody with even a passing interest in death metal. There’s something for everybody here. Lots of fat groovy riffs, technically adept guitar playing, a great drummer and some very well thought out lead guitar playing.

Mixing brutality and melody with groove while not succumbing to the trends of the time is a difficult line to walk in extreme metal and on Spiritual Apocalypse, Monstrosity walk that line with a rare panache.

Label: Metal Blade

Year of Release: 2007