Review by Yener on May 25, 2019.

Benighted are one of those bands who I had heard of before, yet due to being obsessed with other bands and albums, never really gave them much of a chance. I remember hearing a song or two a few years ago and just shrugging it off, deciding that whatever I was listening to at the time was better or more suitable for my mood. Thus, Benighted got shelved.

Fast forward a few years and I am now obsessed with this band, kicking myself for not being more attentive earlier. Benighted is special because they don't really fall into any sub-genre. They have elements of death metal, hardcore, progressive and just about anything you can think of - even electronic - and they blend it all together expertly. The first time I sat down and listened to this album from start to finish I was blown away - and it's hard to blow away someone who's been listening to metal for 25 years. 

A few things I love about this band. First off, the vocals. Benighted aren't shy to use a wide variety of vocal styles in their onslaught. From the deep growls, screams and pig squeals, they pretty much have it all. And they are all done incredibly well and tastefully. Second, the drumming. Imagine my surprise when I learned that Kevin Paradis was the drummer on this album. A wonderful surprise, because I have been following him on YouTube for years.

Lastly, and this is very important - the riffs. A lot of bands these days forget that the most important part in metal is having great riffs that you can remember and bang your head to. Thunderous motherfuckers, riffs that can move mountains. And Benighted has that, which is one of the reasons I've been so drawn to them. 

Another aspect is the excellent arranging on this album. The drum parts are fantastic and arranged near perfectly. It's not all blast beats and double bass laid underneath everything, which is just a lazy way of writing drum parts. They are expertly crafted and arranged and compliment the riffs perfectly. 

I don't think I need to go over individual tracks, though I will say that "Experience Your Flesh" is probably my favorite offering on this album. The whole disc is just beast. 

Hard, brutal, fast, experimental, these guys really have it all. They are like the perfect metal band for me, and I will be watching them like a hawk from now on. Can't wait for the new one which should be coming out in a few weeks. This stuff is fantastic.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10