Serocs

With a press release boasting similarities to Cryptopsy, Wormed, Decapitated and Gorguts, technical death metallers Serocs have much to live up to. Formed by Mexico-based guitarist Antonio Freyre and now joined by Finnish drummer Timo Häkkinen (Kataplexia, Sotajumala), as well as U.S. bassist Mike Poggione (Vile, Monstrosity) and U.S. vocalist Jason Hohenstein (ex-Lecherous Nocturne), Serocs have become an international entity. Recorded in eight cities around the world, the group's sophomore album, The Next, also features tons of guest appearances, and the result is a solid death metal release with some technical flourishes. Featuring crushing drum work and brutal vocals, as well as myriad powerful riffs and time changes, Serocs don't over do it on the technical front, also opting for a rawer production quality and murkier sound. Clocking in at just over a half-hour, The Next doesn't overstay its welcome; however it doesn't leave much to hold onto post-listen, in terms of memorability. Even though it's a strong death metal record, it doesn't quite live up to grandiose expectations.