MONSTROSITY - The Passage Of Existence (CASSETTE, La Cripta Metal Shop)

Monstrosity’s The Passage of Existence marks a triumphant return after an eleven-year hiatus, reaffirming their position as one of Florida’s most enduring and formidable death metal acts. With a lineup that has finally found stability, the band refines its technical precision and relentless intensity, delivering a twelve-track behemoth that bridges their old-school brutality with a modernized sonic onslaught.

From the opening moments of Cosmic Pandemia, it’s clear that Monstrosity is firing on all cylinders. The razor-sharp riffs, courtesy of longtime guitarist Mark English and newcomer Matt Barnes, interlock seamlessly with Lee Harrison’s machine-gun drumming, creating a whirlwind of aggression and complexity. Tracks like Kingdom of Fire and Radiated showcase the band’s mastery of dynamics—balancing high-velocity ferocity with moments of intricate melodic phrasing. Meanwhile, Dark Matter Invocation boasts one of the most electrifying solos on the record, a testament to English’s ability to weave technicality with sheer emotion.

Bassist Michael Poggione’s presence is felt throughout, injecting each song with dexterous low-end work that complements the album’s dense, layered sound. Vocalist Mike Hrubovcak delivers a commanding performance, his guttural roars anchoring the chaos with an imposing force. The production, helmed by Mark Lewis and Jason Suecof, enhances every element, lending the album a massive, polished sound that still retains its raw intensity.

If there’s any critique to be made, it’s that The Passage of Existence is a demanding listen, packed with so much intricacy that it practically demands multiple spins to fully absorb. Yet, this is precisely what makes the album such a rewarding experience. From the pulverizing Solar Vacuum to the epic closer Slaves to the Evermore, Monstrosity crafts a journey that never relents in its ambition or execution.

With The Passage of Existence, Monstrosity proves that time has only sharpened their blade. It’s an album that stands as both a testament to their legacy and a statement of continued dominance in the world of death metal.