Death Metal Band Monstrosity Announces New Album Set For March 13
If you’ve been keeping tabs on the Florida death metal scene, you know that patience isn’t just a virtue – it’s a requirement. It has been over seven long years since we last heard a full-length record from the legends themselves, but the wait is officially over. Monstrosity is back, and if the first single is anything to go by, they aren’t interested in reinventing the wheel. They’re here to absolutely crush it.
Monstrosity Transcends the Death Metal Trends
The genre has seen a lot of shifts since 2018. We’ve seen the rise of “cavernous” death metal, the old-school revival, and whatever is happening on TikTok. But Monstrosity? They have always been a pillar of consistency in a scene that often tries too hard to be trendy. With the announcement of their upcoming album, Screams From Beneath The Surface, dropping March 13th via Metal Blade Records, the band is reminding everyone why they’ve survived since the early 90s.
The Return of Florida Death Metal Royalty
Admittedly, seven years is a lifetime in the music industry. Bands break up, reform, and break up again in that timeframe. Since their last 2018 outing, The Passage of Existence, fans have been left wondering when—or if—we’d get a follow-up. The announcement of Screams From Beneath The Surface isn’t just a press release; it’s a relief.
This band helped build the foundation of the Florida sound, and they seem keenly aware of that legacy. The new record features ten tracks that promise to double down on technical precision and speed. We aren’t getting an experimental synth album here. We are getting pure, unadulterated, heavy musical aggression.
Breaking Down “The Colossal Rage”
To prove they haven’t lost a step, Monstrosity dropped the lead single, “The Colossal Rage,” alongside the album announcement. Truth? It freakin’ rips.
This track is exactly what you want from a comeback single. It’s immediate, it’s visceral, and it sounds massive. Lee Harrison, the band’s founder and drummer, keeps everything locked in with a performance that feels mechanical in its precision but human in its groove. Matt Barnes’ lead guitar work cuts right through the mix, reminding us that this band has always balanced brutality with actual musicianship.
But the star here might be Ed Webb. The former Massacre vocalist sounds completely possessed, delivering a guttural performance that matches the intensity of the music. If this track is the barometer for the rest of the album, we are in for a treat.
A Lineup Built for Destruction
One of the most exciting aspects of this release is the personnel involved. Monstrosity has always had a revolving door of talent (George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher was an original member, after all), but the current iteration is looking incredibly strong.
We have the return of original bassist Mark Van Erp, which is a massive win for old-school fans. Hearing him lock in with Harrison again brings a specific type of rhythm section chemistry you just can’t fake. Rounding out the lineup is guitarist Justin Walker, creating a wall of sound with Barnes that solidifies, feeling both classic and modern. Walker has played off and on with the band since 2019.
Legendary Production for a Legendary Band
It’s not just about who is playing the instruments; it’s about who is capturing the sound. Monstrosity didn’t cut corners here. They split the production duties to get the best of both worlds. The drums and bass were handled at Audiohammer Studios with Jason Suecof (known for his work with The Black Dahlia Murder and with Deicide), ensuring a punchy, modern low end.
However, for the guitars and vocals, they went back to the holy grail: Morrisound Studios. Working with Jim Morris is a nod to their history and ensures that the “soul” of the record stays true to its roots. It’s a smart move that bridges the gap between modern production standards and that gritty, 90s Florida death metal atmospheric sound.
Why the Cover Art Matters
In an era where half the album covers on Spotify look like they were generated by a prompt in five seconds, it is welcoming to see Monstrosity stick to tradition. The cover art for Screams From Beneath The Surface was hand-drawn by Timbul Cahyono. It’s emotional, and it reflects the music inside. It’s a small detail, but it shows that the band cares about the entire package, not just the MP3s.
March 13th can’t come soon enough. Whether you’ve been spinning Imperial Doom since 1992 or you’re just discovering them now, Monstrosity is about to show the world how death metal is supposed to sound.
