Artist: Brutality Album: When the Sky Turns Black

Year: 1994
Duration: 46:03

When Brutality Strikes: A Critical Review of the Album When the Sky Turns Black

Brutality is a name that every death metal fan should know. This American band formed in 1986 in Tampa, Florida, and they were one of the pioneers of the Florida death metal scene alongside bands such as Morbid Angel and Death. Their second album, When the Sky Turns Black, was released in 1994 and remains a classic of the genre. In this blog post, we will give you a brief history of the band, discuss the music genre and the most innovative parts of the album, list the best songs of the album and give our overall critical review.

First, let's talk about the music genre. When the Sky Turns Black is a classic death metal album, which means that if you're not a fan of the genre, you might be put off by the constant blast beats and growls. However, if you're a fan of the genre or open to experimentation, you'll find that this album is a masterpiece of brutality. The songs are mostly fast and heavy, but Brutality also experiments with different tempos, time signatures, and melodies.

One of the most innovative parts of this album is the use of acoustic guitars. In tracks like Oceanic Reflections and When the Sky Turns Black, the band showcases their ability to play slow and melancholic melodies, which contrasts with the heaviness of the rest of the album. It's a welcome change of pace and adds depth to the album.

Now, let's talk about the best songs of the album. The opening track, When the Sky Turns Black, is a classic of the genre, with its relentless pace, blast beats, and memorable chorus. Race Defects is another standout, with its catchy riffs, brutal vocals, and technical guitar solo. Electric Funeral is a Black Sabbath cover done in Brutality's own style, and it's an excellent homage to the godfathers of metal.

Despite its strengths, When the Sky Turns Black is not a perfect album. Some songs, such as Artistic Butchery and Sadistic are forgettable in comparison to the rest of the album. The production is also a bit muddy, which can make it difficult to hear all the nuances of the music. However, these flaws do not detract from the overall quality of the album.

In conclusion, When the Sky Turns Black is a classic death metal album that every fan of the genre should own. Brutality's experimentation with different tempos, melodies, and the use of acoustic guitars adds depth to the album, while the catchy riffs, brutal vocals, and technical guitar solos showcase the band's talent. Despite some forgettable tracks and muddy production, this album remains a testament to the skills and talent of Brutality. So, put on your headphones, turn up the volume, and prepare to be brutalized when the sky turns black!