Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Upon Infliction - To Escape is to Suffer - 2006 - Crash Music

Track Listing1. Order 2. You Will Suffer 3. Abducted 4. Surgical Murder 5. Rage 6. American Way 7. Lifeless and Abused 8. State Sanctioned Execution 9. Dead Have Risen 10. No Options Left 11. Mutilation

Upon Infliction hail from South Florida, a place that has always been a bastion for American death metal. The band is led by guitarist Seth Ringler and drummer Gus Rios, also of Malevolent Creation. “To Escape is to Suffer” is exactly the sort of album you might expect to surface from a South Florida death metal band with at least one well-seasoned member in its ranks. It’s not that unique or exciting, but it gets the job done nicely in its own little way.

Upon Infliction’s most notable characteristic is that they’re a bit more technically adept than many other bands in this style. Ringler’s no Muhammed Suicmez, but he does play fairly technical riffs. In addition, vocalist Brian Mygrant’s voice is pretty versatile – instead of a low, constant growl, Mygrant changes his pitch and style often enough to keep things interesting. A final highlight of “To Escape is to Suffer” comes in the form of a Death cover – the Upon Infliction quartet does “Mutilation” justice, and would probably have made Chuck proud.

So, while they aren’t doing anything especially phenomenal, Upon Infliction is still a worthwhile band to check out. All the pieces of the puzzle are present and fit together nicely for this band and “To Escape is to Suffer” is the result of this cohesion. Despite not being spectacular, the album is solid, enjoyable, and a worthy addition to any death metal fan’s collection.

7.5/10


--Veritas 08.06.06