UMUR
"Ruins of Humans" is an EP release by US, Tampa, Florida based death metal act Brutality. The EP was released through Ceremonial Records in February 2013. Brutality were formed in 1986 and were instrumental in creating the Florida death metal style that for a short period in the late eighties/early nineties ruled the world of extreme metal. Brutality released three albums in the nineties before disbanding in 1998. While they are probably THE arch typical Florida death metal act, they only experienced moderate success while they were active. They have reunited a couple of times since 1998, but other than a demo from 2003, "Ruins of Humans" is the first new original material to emerge from the band since the release of "In Mourning (1997)".
Since the release of "In Mourning (1997)" guitarists Dana Walsh and Peter Sykes have been replaced by Don Gates and Jay Fernandez. The usual suspects are Jeff Acres (bass, backing vocals), Jim Coker (Drums) and Scott Reigel (vocals).
Lineup changes or not, the two tracks on the 14:01 minutes long EP are unmistakably the sound of Brutality. Techncially well played and brutal US death metal with the commanding and intelligible growling vocals of Scott Reigel in front. High level musicianship, a powerful sound production and two well composed tracks. Both are relatively diverse tracks and in addition to the brutal riffing, tempo changes and precision drumming, we´re also treated to some really well played guitar solos. Brutality left on a strong note with "In Mourning (1997)" and it seems they have no problem picking up where they left off. The two tracks on "Ruins of Humans" are fully on par with the material on "In Mourning (1997)". Fans of US death metal with an early nineties sensibility should find lots to like here. "Ruins of Humans" is a quality release and a nice comeback for Brutality and a 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating is deserved.