This is the most admirable (aside from 'Loathing' [1997]) a release that Broken Hope has come out with in years. Mind you, they did split in 2001 from the metal scene then came back with a new line-up (except for Jeremy Wagner who has been with the band since they formed). They write about not so colorful topics but it includes gore, death, sickness and anti-religion. Upon reading the lyrics to this one, they're pretty brutal to say the least. But they have a lot of good music to show for on this album.

While a lot of death metal bands struggle to find their own unique sound, Broken Hope shows their influences (Autopsy, et al) and creates their own cool vibe to their music. I was surprised how many times I did actually listen to this album before I chose to write about it. However, it's close to perfect in what a newer death metal album should be like. Damian "Tom" Leski spews forth his annihilation on vocals and I might say that the lead and rhythm guitar sounds are phenomenal. Originality in songwriting, absolutely!!

A lot of the members come from different bands such as Jungle Rot, Earthburner, Disinter, Disgorge et al. So these are members that know how to transpose good death metal. I'd have to say that from what I've heard of 2017 releases, this one has to be one of the top albums. The music is what keeps me coming back to it, not to mention the production quality via Century Media Records has it to be sounding crisp upon awakening.

I should warn you once again regarding the lyrics, they are sort of Cannibal Corpse-esque. But these type of words fit well with an album that's going (or is) simply brutal. That's what 'Mutilated and Assimilated' is all about.No real grindcore here though there are some moderate blast beating. The music takes everything over. And the vocals go well alongside the music. No doubting Broken Hope did a great thing in the metal community this time around. We no longer have to dig into the past to the 'Loathing' days to hear something good from them. Mutilated and Assimilated' is here.

If you stumble on this release, be sure to check out 'The Meek Shall Inherit Shit', 'Malicious Meatholes' and 'Blast Frozen'. Those are some of my favorite songs on there. Definitely support the band by buying the physical copy of the album. You can always download it first to see if you like it, or listen to those tracks before you make your purchase. This Chicago-based band deserves high praise from a long awaited return!!

Rating: 9½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Death8699
05/10/2018 14:55