Four years later, with the death metal scene revitalized and healthier than ever, Suffocation have made a triumphant return to the fold with Souls to Deny (Relapse). The year 2004 finds Suffocation operating with original members Terrance Hobbs (guitar), Frank Mullen (vocals) and Mike Smith (drums), along with guitarist Guy Marchais and bassist Derek Boyer, and sounding better than ever. Their trademark rhythmic complexity, ultra-melodic guitar work and guttural vocals remain intact, but there's a new sense of urgency in Suffocation's latest batch of songs that makes listening to the record a terrifyingly visceral experience. And, somewhat surprisingly, Suffocation have managed a return to the death metal scene without sounding the least bit dated. Once the shit, always the shit.
