Monstrosity

Rise to Power (Conquest)
by Tim Den

Monstrosity have been dragged through the mire for over 10 years, enduring countless line-up changes along the way without ever disappointing their fans (myself included). However, the strain is starting to show on Rise to Power as their brand of flawlessly-played and recorded Floridian death metal grind and groove through 11 tracks that barely vary from one another. That’s not to say they aren’t great, ribcage-cracking swings of the hammer, just not as immediately memorable, unique, or well-crafted as past efforts. One reason I always thought Monstrosity took so long between albums was because they really paid attention to the details, but for the first time, I feel like they’ve failed to do just that on Rise to Power. Man, I’m bummin’ that I’m not head-over-heels for this thing, but I just know these guys are capable of more.

Even though I find Rise to Power growing on me as time passes, I still think a slight trimming of the fat could’ve made it 10 times better. Imagine if they were more patient and wrote a whole album’s worth of “Wave of Annihilation”? Hell yeah. Let’s hope for next time!
(4195 S. Tamiami Trail #180 Venice, FL 34293)