Regardless of the many changes in the line-up over the years, Monstrosity have always been a band you could depend on, and they don't disappoint you this time either. I expected a forceful and intricate effort and that is exactly what Spiritual Apocalypse proves to be. Spiritual Apocalypse is not purely a continuation of the predecessor Rise to Power, but then again Monstrosity isn't exactly known to make the same album twice. Most of the characteristics are intact, but it seems as if Lee Harrison & Co approached things a little different this time. Whether this is due to the fact that only Lee and Mike Poggione are left from Rise to Power I don't know, but the result is very convincing.

Spiritual Apocalypse is a CD that slowly grows. It takes a couple of listens to digest and let it sink in, but from thereon it just gets better and better. The music has a multiplicity that you don't hear everyday. It's clear that the band have a rare ability for writing songs that combine both brutality, bits of melody and catchiness. Each song is performed with millimetre precision. It doesn't hurt either that there are guest contributions from people like Kelly Schaefer, Matt LaPorte and John Zahner on the CD. The crisp and forceful production is what put the icing on the cake. In the best way it combines both the heaviness and the clarity without at any point putting either in jeopardy. There's no filler or bad songs on Spiritual Apocalypse only death metal of the highest calibre.

Monstrosity proves to the fullest on Spiritual Apocalypse why they belong among the crème de la crème of death metal. The Americans have once again outdone themselves and made what is a strong candidate for album of the year.