Suffocation Members, Gear & Sound
New York death metal
Members
Select a Suffocation band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Suffocation is a pioneering American death metal band formed in New York in the late 1980s. Known for their brutal and technical sound, they have significantly influenced the genre over decades. The original lineup included Frank Mullen (vocals), Doug Cerrito (guitar), Terrance Hobbs (guitar), Chris Richards (bass), and Mike Smith (drums). Today, the band continues to evolve with members like Ricky Myers (vocals), carrying on their legacy. Suffocation's music is a blend of death metal, grindcore, and technical death metal, characterized by complex riffs, blast beats, and guttural vocals. Their groundbreaking albums, such as Effigy of the Forgotten and Breeding the Spawn, have left a lasting impact on metal subgenres.
How to Sound Like Suffocation
Suffocation's sound is an intense assault on the senses, marked by its aggressive and intricate guitar work. The sound is both brutal and precise, with a dense, driving rhythm section that underscores the technical intricacies of their compositions. Guitarists often utilize gear like the Peavey 6505+ 120-Watt Tube Guitar Amp Head to achieve a crushing, saturated distortion that defines their sonic character. The interplay of tight, rapid-fire riffs and complex time signatures creates a chaotic yet structured atmosphere, further enhanced by the use of pedals such as the Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer for additional overdrive. Bass lines, powered by equipment like the Peavey MiniMEGA 1000-Watt, provide a thunderous low-end foundation that complements the relentless drumming and guttural vocal delivery, making Suffocation a formidable force in the metal world.
Discography
Get the Suffocation Sound
Want to sound like Suffocation? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
