Cattle Decapitation

It's been three years since Cattle Decapitation unleashed their outstanding The Harvest Floor. Now, the San Diego, CA death/grind masters return with their seventh studio album, Monolith of Inhumanity, which is every bit worth the wait. "The Carbon Stampede" starts the record off with fast machinegun drumming and frenzied guitar work, as well as intense vocals (including gang back-ups featuring members of Cephalic Carnage). Frontman Travis Ryan's performance is utterly grotesque and diverse throughout, with tons of range, particularly on "Dead Set On Suicide," "Lifestalker" and "Your Disposal," which feature high-pitched shrieks, deep, guttural growls and the closest Cattle Decapitation have ever come to clean singing. The brutal "A Living, Breathing Piece of Defecating Meat" and "Projectile Ovulation" are death metal masterpieces, featuring ominous guest vocals from Lenard Leal of Cephalic Carnage and Mike Majewski of Devourment, respectively. "Gristle Licker" showcases a grind-esque, unpredictable song structure and technical guitar work, which swiftly changes to groove-laden riffage. Arguably Cattle Decapitation's best offering to date, Monolith of Inhumanity is a dynamic record, with many different elements working together to create one cohesive, disgusting and brilliant release.