44. Benediction - "Ravage of Empires"

Let’s put aside the sophistication for one moment and go big on the brutality. This is old school death metal from one of this country’s foremost pioneers in this style. Benediction may not have gained the plaudits of Napalm Death or Bolthrower but they existed alongside both bands, happily trading members like a deranged wife swap party. This is a brilliantly simple and minimal album that strips everything back to core aggression. It is remorseless, angry and unabatingly intense. It illustrates the beauty of brittle belligerent heaviness and happily builds upon over 35 years in this game. Absolute belter of a record.