Suffocation - Death Metal Band

Suffocation is widely celebrated as a groundbreaking force in death metal, shaping the genre with their pioneering fusion of raw brutality and technical precision. Their influence on modern death metal is immense, and frontman Frank Mullen is hailed as one of the most iconic vocalists in the scene. He was among the first to master the deep, guttural "death growl," a style that has since become a hallmark of the genre.

The band's origins trace back to an earlier iteration from 1988 to roughly 1990, featuring Frank Mullen on vocals, Josh Barohn on bass, guitarists Guy Marchais and Todd German, and Brian Cootner stepping in on drums. By 1990, the lineup evolved with the addition of guitarists Terrance Hobbs and Doug Cerrito, as well as drummer Mike Smith, all former members of Khranial, a local band that had recently disbanded. This revamped lineup laid the foundation for the Suffocation we know today.

Suffocation then released their debut album, Effigy of the Forgotten, which is widely considered a death metal classic and a must-own for any fan of the brutal death metal genre.

Throughout the history of the genre, Suffocation have influenced many other death metal bands, including Cannibal Corpse, Morpheus Descends, Sissourlet, Gorguts, Cryptopsy, Deteriorate and the entire "slam death metal" sub-genre.

Members of Suffocation

Here are all the known members of the band Suffocation, as well as their past collaborations.

• Vocalist: Frank Mullen, Ricky Myers
• Guitarist: Terrance Hobbs
• Bassist: Derek Boyer
• Drummer: Mike Smith

There can be instances where past members of Suffocation have only played in one live show, EP, bootleg or demo recording, etc.

Suffocation Discography

Complete list of albums by the band Suffocation: