Controlled Elite

Dehumanized's debut came a lot later than fellow influential NYDM bruisers Pyrexia and Internal Bleeding, coming out in 1998, 5 years after Sermon of Mockery and 3 years after Voracious Contempt. They also split up rather more quickly, while Pyrexia and Internal Bleeding would put out a selection of mediocre efforts. This led to Dehumanized to become rather underrated in the brutal death metal scene, compared to other bands like Suffocation, Disgorge and the aforementioned Pyrexia and Internal Bleeding.

However, they would reunite years later with a new lineup (only drummer George Torres and guitarist Rich Nagasawa returning from the Prophecies Foretold lineup) and put out a new album called Controlled Elite. In some ways I prefer this to Prophecies Foretold. While it's got a much more modern clean production job, it's offers far more interesting riffs and vocal patterns as well as guest appearances from members of Suffocation (my all time favourite band).

The guitar work is rooted deeply in the mid 90s brutal death metal scene, with a lot of influence from the more recent slam movement. Consisting of some very Suffocation-esque technical chops, pounding breakdowns and some excellent solo work from Nagasawa (and a little from Terrance Hobbs late on the album), there is never a dull moment on the album.

The guitars also have a very crunchy tone that makes them all that more heavier. Bass player Anthony Cossu doesn't really get much of a chance to shine, mostly following the guitars, but it is very nice to hear it for once despite a modern production job.

The drumwork is my first real complaint. They're competently played, mostly consisting of blast beats and liberal use of double bass, but the tone isn't all that great, in fact it's very weak and lifeless sounding and sometimes inaudible compared to the fantastic drum tone on Prophecies Foretold. Regardless, it doesn't ruin the enjoyment of this album too much.

New vocalist Michael Centrone gives a great performance, using mostly a mid-range death growl and occasionally switching to a more guttural style, comparable to Frank Mullen of Suffocation fame (who makes an appearance of his own on the title track) while also using some more high pitched shrieks on select points throughout the album. It keeps the album much more interesting compared to Jerry Barco's non-stop gurgle on Prophecies Foretold.

In closing, this is an outstanding modern brutal death metal release that should suit the fancy of any fan of brutal/slam death metal. Support this underrated band.

Highlights: Set in Stone, Controlled Elite, Body Colonizers