Suffocation

Suffocation is widely credited as the primary architect of brutal death metal and a foundational influence on the technical death metal and deathcore subgenres. Formed in New York in 1988, they bridged the gap between the raw, thrash-influenced death metal of the late 80s and the hyper-technical, rhythmically focused style of the 90s.

Their 1991 debut, 'Effigy of the Forgotten', introduced the 'slam' breakdown and the deep, guttural vocal style of Frank Mullen, both of which became genre tropes. Lead guitarist Terrance Hobbs is noted for his unorthodox, chromatic riffing style and fluid, chaotic solos. Despite a hiatus in the late 90s, their 2003 reformation solidified their status as elder statesmen of the scene. They are critically revered for maintaining a high level of technical proficiency without sacrificing the 'street-level' aggression of their hardcore-influenced roots. Their influence is visible in virtually every modern band that utilizes heavy breakdowns or technical percussion.