"A mournful tribute and statement of renewed purpose."
“We are stronger than death”. Late vocalist Mitch Lucker's spectre looms large over the deathcore outfit's new LP.
Note intro M.A.L, posthumous lyrics on the title track and Inherit The Crown's autobiographical themes. Cease To Exist's bludgeoning grooves rank among their most commanding work yet; elsewhere the thunderous breakdowns now serve the songs, not vice versa. More versatile grunter Eddie Hermida succeeds amid difficult circumstances; Corpsegrinder (Cannibal Corpse) and Greg Puciato (Dillinger Escape Plan) afford additional weightiness.
Many will understandably cheer–lead the Californians, but irrespective, a mournful tribute and statement of renewed purpose.