One of the masses of Death Metal bands that lurk in the shadows, Monstrosity has been kicking hard for 35 years. For those in the know, I am sure the band are ranked amongst the old school legends Deicide, Master, Obituary, Cannibal Corpse (whose vocalist George Corpsegrinder Fischer sang on the first two Monstrosity albums) and more. But if, like me, you have merely dipped into their discography from time to time, their sixth album, and first since 2018’s The Passage Of Existence, provides a timely reminder of their potent aural assault.
Monstrosity – Screams From Beneath The Surface
Release Date: 13 March 2026
Words: Paul Hutchings
As Monstrosity begin their next chapter, we herald their rejuvenated line-up, comprising drummer, founder, and primary songwriter Lee Harrison, long-tenured guitarist Matt Barnes, with the return of original bassist Mark Van Erp, and vocalist Ed Webb.
The first thing to notice is the production. A combination of cutting-edge and classic Death Metal styles brings with it a punishing aspect that takes no prisoners. Ten tracks that rampage over the best part of 45 minutes allow plenty of time to absorb the crushing approach of a band well into veteran status.
The musicianship, as one would expect in high-quality Death Metal, is impressive, with Harrison’s drumming as much a focal point as the rasping growls of Webb, who makes a fine debut here.
Banished To The Skies is a brooding, malevolent opener that sees the band focus on intensity in their delivery above full on face blasting. There are even some clean bursts of melody, with Barnes’ lead work razor sharp as it cuts through the pulverising maelstrom that reigns supreme.
The delicate ending is a curveball, but one that demonstrates that writing a good song is not limited to other genres. This is an opener by which to set out their stall and announce that Monstrosity are back.
It is followed by the vaguely oriental flavour of Colossal Rage, a serious upturn in pace and tempo which tears along at high speed. Once more, the drumming is explosive, anchoring the song and allowing Webb to demonstrate his worth.
Webb is no novice, having a stint with Massacre amongst numerous other behemoths on his CV. His gravel-throated growl fits with the overall sound of the band, and there are some huge performances here. Webb dominates Spiral with his guttural delivery.
Throughout Screams From Beneath The Surface, Monstrosity remain true to their old school roots. They bring a contemporary edge to their sound, but at the same time they never stray far from the underlying foundations that has served the band so well over three decades.
Technically precise, there is little for one to dispute here. Sledgehammer tracks like Fortunes Engraved In Blood, the blistering Vapours, which rage like an uncontrollable fire, and the shimmering blasts of closer Veil Of Disillusion all reinforce the fact that when done well, Death Metal is as powerful a force as any in the world of Metal.
Screams From Beneath The Surface is likely to resonate well with those already onboard with the band, whilst the generations of new Death Metal fans should be directed towards one of the masters who have returned with another fine release.
With tour dates imminent, this is another band whose approach remains as focused as it was 35-years ago.
Monstrosity release Screams From Beneath The Surface on 13 March 2026 via Metal Blade Records. For pre-orders, visit https://www.metalblade.com/monstrosity.
