Some of the best death metal albums of the 90s from Tampa/Florida, finally available again on limited (333) music cassette.Brutality’s amazing debut album Screams Of Anguish from 1993 and the follow-up When The Sky Turns Black from 1994 marks definitely the best period in the bands history and if you want a band that seamlessly combines uncompromisingly heavy riffs, excellent melodies, a chaotic atmosphere, and deep guttural vocals, then look no further, because Brutality has it.
This is seriously one of the most underrated bands in the history of death metal. So don’t miss these pieces of ancient power and strength.
Currently shrouded in a considerable interest, Brutality is one of the most overlooked American hordes, whose debut could easily be placed right next to the most iconic albums such as Morbid Angel, Deicide, Death or Nocturnus. It would be possible if the moment of their debut did not fall on 1993 and in later years the band did not struggle with so many breaks in activity. Anyway, American Brutality reached the pinnacle of death metal at its early times. Jeff Acres (bass/vocals), Scott Reigel (vocals), Don Gates (guitars), Jay Fernandez (guitars) and Jim Coker (drums) on their debut longplay "Screams Of Anguish" created an absolute monster - the material from which the hectoliters of genius spill out all the time.
Therefore, at first listening, the band name of Brutality may appear as...a bit hurtful! Well, what is happening on "Screams Of Anguish" goes beyond the usual perception of extreme music. Because although death metal performed by these five Americans does not come away from brutality (sic!), and youthful vigor emanates from it at every step, it's also very technical, boldly melodic (but not over-sugared), full of guitar virtuosity (with a huge dose of technical and dreamy solos), full of massive slow-downs, has an addictive atmosphere, hateful, deep vocals (strongly in the early Glen Benton type) and sounds great. In fact, "Screams...", by its multidimensionality, will satisfy both those looking for extreme heaviness, as well as high instrumental level and surprising plot twists. The greatness of Brutality's debut should be best described by such songs as "These Walls Shall Be Your Grave", "Cries Of The Forsaken", "Spawned Illusion" or "Crushed", but in fact it would be nonsense, because it would be worth mentioning the entire tracklist - each of the tracks on "Screams..." deserves to be called equally brilliant and ultra-inventive. Even delicate, non-metal miniatures in the form of "Sympathy" and "Spirit World" do not disturb the reception of the whole album - they add some respite and work great as a calm before the storm before the next great tracks. Finally, the single "Sadistic", appearing on some releases of "Screams..." as a bonus track, is also worth recommending. I mention it, because it does not stand out from the main content of the album, perfectly showing how hurricaneous and powerful Brutality's style was.
So despite a slightly late debut during the death metal boom, the Americans from Brutality recorded a total masterpiece in this genre. "Screams Of Anguish" perfectly showed how full of brutality (sic! x2), atmospheric and properly balanced in terms of technique and melody this music is. In short - death metal ideal!
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