About this album
Where they were
Effigy of the Forgotten is Suffocation's debut studio album, released in 1991 at a time when the death metal genre was starting to gain significant traction. The band had previously released the 'Human Waste' EP in 1991, establishing their brutal sound and setting the stage for this landmark full-length release, which would cement their place in death metal history.
Why it matters
This album is often credited with defining the technical death metal sound, influencing countless bands that followed. It received critical acclaim upon release and has maintained a strong legacy within the genre, regularly appearing on lists of essential death metal albums.
Essential tracks
- "Liege of Inveracity" — The opening track sets a blistering pace with intricate guitar work and ferocious vocal delivery, embodying the album's aggressive ethos.
- "Effigy of the Forgotten" — The title track showcases the band's signature blend of complexity and brutality, featuring memorable riffs and dynamic shifts that define their style.
- "Infecting the Crypts" — This track highlights Suffocation's technical prowess, combining rapid-fire drumming with complex guitar arrangements that push the boundaries of death metal.
- "Jesus Wept" — Closing the album on an intense note, this track features powerful lyrical themes and a mix of tempo changes that encapsulate the band's dark aesthetic.
Release Date
January 1, 1991
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Liege of Inveracity 4:28
- 2 Effigy of the Forgotten 3:47
- 3 Infecting the Crypts 4:45
- 4 Seeds of the Suffering 5:51
- 5 Habitual Infamy 4:15
- 6 Reincremation 2:52
- 7 Mass Obliteration 4:30
- 8 Involuntary Slaughter 3:00
- 9 Jesus Wept 3:38
