SUFFOCATION - Effigy Of The Forgotten (12" PICTURE DISC)
United States | Brutal Technical Death
Detailed Description
The debut full length! Legendary and right up there with 'Slowly We Rot', 'Dawn of Possession' and 'Altars of Madness'! Finally available as a gorgeous limited edition picture disc.
Suffocation’s Effigy of the Forgotten stands as an indomitable pillar in the history of brutal death metal, a genre-defining release that remains as influential today as it was groundbreaking in 1991. From its first guttural roar to its final crushing riff, the album encapsulates the raw intensity and technical sophistication that would come to define the genre for decades.
What immediately sets Effigy of the Forgotten apart is its sheer audacity. Suffocation didn’t just introduce brutal death metal—they forged it in fire, merging razor-sharp technicality with unrelenting aggression. Tracks like “Infecting the Crypts” and “Liege of Inveracity” deliver a masterclass in dynamic songwriting, balancing intricate riffs and punishing breakdowns in equal measure. The infamous slam riff in “Liege of Inveracity,” in particular, stands as a watershed moment, inspiring countless bands and cementing Suffocation as pioneers of this heavier-than-hell style.
Frank Mullen’s vocal performance on the album is nothing short of legendary. His gutturals are cavernous, dripping with menace and power, yet delivered with a precision that elevates the album’s atmosphere to something almost otherworldly. Mullen’s trade-off vocals with guest growler George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher on tracks like “Mass Obliteration” create moments of unparalleled intensity, the duo’s combined ferocity weaving a brutal tapestry that’s impossible to ignore.
Instrumentally, Effigy of the Forgotten showcases a band operating at the peak of their creative powers. Terrance Hobbs and Doug Cerrito’s guitars are a force of nature, delivering riff after riff of technically intricate yet viscerally heavy brutality. From whirlwind tremolo passages to groove-laden slams, their playing is as diverse as it is devastating. Hobbs’ leads, in particular, add a surprising layer of melodic nuance, soaring above the chaos like a streak of lightning through a storm.
Mike Smith’s drumming is another standout feature, a relentless assault of blast beats and double bass that drives the album’s unyielding momentum. His precision and creativity—whether through blistering speed or well-timed grooves—add a rhythmic complexity that few drummers could hope to match. The bass, while somewhat overshadowed by the crushing guitars, still provides a throbbing low-end foundation that enhances the album’s oppressive weight.
Scott Burns’ production is the final piece of the puzzle, balancing raw ferocity with just enough clarity to let the album’s intricacies shine. The result is a sound that feels both visceral and expansive, like it was recorded in some unholy cavern deep beneath the earth.
At its core, Effigy of the Forgotten is more than just an album—it’s a statement of intent, a defining moment in metal history that pushed the boundaries of extremity and set the standard for everything that followed. Whether it’s the monstrous grooves, the blistering technicality, or the sheer audacious heaviness, every moment of this record is crafted with purpose and precision.
For fans of death metal, Effigy of the Forgotten isn’t just essential listening—it’s a rite of passage. This is Suffocation at their finest: brutal, unrelenting, and utterly unforgettable. A perfect 10/10.
