Brutality are a band that I was first introduced to on the Death is just the Beginning VHS tape from Nuclear Blast in ’92, I think it was. Brutality once described themselves as a “death metal opera”, and with a demo version of “Cryptorium” playing in the background and having purchased the compilation tape that came with the video, that was me instantly hooked.
Brutality have been around since 1986 in one form or another and after a string of demos, signed to Nuclear Blast in 1992 and that is where Brutality got their big break. However, by this time, black metal was surfacing as the new genre and bands that joined the death metal bandwagon too late suffered because of this. Unfortunately, this could be said of Brutality. If they had their big break in the late 80s or 1990, things could have been so much different for the band. It’s ironic that the very next interview on the VHS tape was Fred Etsby from Dismember stating that it will be unlikely that too many death metal bands will survive, and as Fred had foreseen this, Brutality split up after their third album in 1997.
What they left behind were three albums of sheer brilliance. Dual vocalists (which you all know I love), stunning guitar solos all over the place only matched by Nocturnus and an overall rhythm section that could rip you to shreds. I was deeply saddened when Brutality called it a day, teasing us with numerous reformations and disbanding again. After twenty one years (twenty in USA), Europe can now get their ears melted by listening to a new full length album from Brutality called Sea of Ignorance which is currently being released in Europe through the band’s new label Mighty Music (it was previously released here via Repulsive Echo).
The album was solely funded by fans for the fans and composed by fans of death metal themselves. When I saw this was up for review, I jumped at it as I have already had it for a year when I purchased it from the band’s own Ceremonial Records. So how does it compare to the previous albums?
Title track “Sea of Ignorance” kicks off things with a typical Brutality riff and blast beats that we all know and love, courtesy of Jay Fernandez who also played on the band’s debut Screams of Anguish and his riffs are reminiscent of that era. Solos are flying all over the place and this, alongside Scott’s vocals, just made me reminisce about the older material. The title track sets the bar for the rest of the album and in places the bar was met but not on all occasions. One particular track where the standard was matched with the opener was “48-52”, which starts with a simple but very effective riff, one that got this neck snapping in pleasure.
Ladies and gentleman, Brutality are back and back with a vengeance.
Mid-paced drums and the ever present in death metal, double bass, make sure that this is another standout track on the album. Jay’s solo is uplifting and emotional, which made me close my eyes before all hell broke loose when fast searing riffs and furious blast beats ended the song.
“Fatal Cure” starts at a relentless pace before settling down. I really like Scott’s vocals in this and overall I think with the production and the sound of the album, it allows them to be the best in his Brutality career. The song ends the way it started with a killer riff backed by blasts all the way. Another positive track from Brutality.
“Tribute” is a tribute from themselves to other acts, using band names in the lyrics throughout and it was fun reading them along with the song – I think there were twenty or so bands namechecked. Brutality are fans as well, so this was a fitting tribute to their influences and the reason why they picked up their instruments in the first place.
“Perpetual Resolution” is next and is your typical Brutality affair, with riffs, solos and drums intersecting with each other so fluently, and bassist/vocalist Jeff keeping the band in check with a bass sound that shakes the earth to its core. “Barbarically Beheaded” is next and starts off with a slow swirling riff before dual vocals kick in. The usual mix of Brutality riffs are in there and although not up to the standard of the two opening tracks, this is still a very competent song in the true Brutality style.
The next track is a controversial one; one which I am sure Brutality are fed up of hearing about since they released the album last year. They have covered a song from one of their major influences, namely Bathory, the track being “Shores in Flames”. I must admit, I have never been a huge Bathory fan and I salute Brutality for pulling this off and giving it their best shot, shaping a fitting tribute to their idols… but I would have preferred another Brutality track to be honest. Then again, if they covered a band like Obituary or Entombed, I suppose I would be saying something totally different. For the Bathory fans out there, I think you will be pleased with this tribute.
“End of Days” starts off with a typical but magnificent Brutality riff from Jay, getting my neck spinning before Scott gives his all and growls until he can’t breathe any more. This may be the track with his strongest vocal performance. Again there are a couple of solos courtesy of Jay throughout the song, which are uplifting and pleasing to the ear, which has always been a strong point of the Brutality sound. Jay keeps the Brutality trademark, with a few twists of his own, and it’s fitting that the album closer should finish with a long, mesmerising and twisting solo.
So there we have it. A new album from the mighty Brutality. Is it as good as their earlier material? Of course it isn’t as they are vastly underrated albums. It’s Brutality’s first album in over 20 years and now that they have the buzz and adrenaline to continue with Brutality, the rust will be scraped off the edges with their next release on label Mighty Music at which time I believe Brutality will be stronger than ever. Who knows, they may even get a tour with this album that they deserve.
They definitely deserve credit for always sticking to their roots. I suppose it’s the old saying that they are releasing music for themselves and their influences and if any of us listeners like it, that’s a bonus to them. Brutality are Floridian death metal through and through… and that’s the way I, and hopefully a lot of you, like it! Give support to the band as they well and truly deserve it.
We (Repulsive echo records
) released this album exclusively in Europe and Asia with another artwork and the video you promote is ours as well… Mighty Music is a reissue actually.. thanks