# Breeding the Spawn

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***Breeding the Spawn*** is the second studio album by American [death metal](/source/Death_metal) band [Suffocation](/source/Suffocation_(band)), released in May 1993 through [Roadrunner Records](/source/Roadrunner_Records). It was the band's first album with bassist Chris Richards, and their last to feature drummer [Mike Smith](/source/Mike_Smith_(drummer)) for over a decade, until *[Souls to Deny](/source/Souls_to_Deny)* (2004). Building off of the sound of Suffocation's debut album *[Effigy of the Forgotten](/source/Effigy_of_the_Forgotten)* (1991), it features more technical songwriting incorporating melodic and dynamic arrangements. The album was produced by Suffocation and Paul Bagin at Noise Lab in [West Islip](/source/West_Islip,_New_York), New York. Suffocation originally planned to record the album in Florida with *Effigy of the Forgotten* producer [Scott Burns](/source/Scott_Burns_(music_producer)), but were prevented from doing so by financial constraints and Roadrunner Records themselves, whose head of [A&R](/source/Artists_and_repertoire), [Monte Conner](/source/Monte_Conner), wanted the band to return to the raw sound of their debut EP *[Human Waste](/source/Human_Waste)* (1991).

*Breeding the Spawn* received mixed reviews from critics, with much of the criticism addressed at its poor production. Roadrunner later apologized for this and allowed Suffocation to work with Burns again on their third album *[Pierced from Within](/source/Pierced_from_Within)* (1995), which included a re-recording of the album's title track. Since then, the band have included re-recordings of *Breeding the Spawn'*s songs on their later albums.

## Music, writing and recording

An album that is considered death metal,[2] "as [technical](/source/Technical_death_metal) as it is [brutal](/source/Brutal_death_metal)",[3] *Breeding the Spawn* has been described as building off of the sound of Suffocation's debut album *[Effigy of the Forgotten](/source/Effigy_of_the_Forgotten)* (1991), featuring more technical songwriting incorporating melodic and dynamic arrangements.[4][5] The album was the band's first with bassist Chris Richards, whom described to *[Kerrang!](/source/Kerrang!)* as having "much more of a musical ear to help make [Suffocation's] rhythms sound different. He's like the final piece to the puzzle."[6]

Suffocation began pre-production on *Breeding the Spawn* in [Long Island](/source/Long_Island) with *Effigy of the Forgotten* producer [Scott Burns](/source/Scott_Burns_(music_producer)) in late 1992.[7] Burns expected the band to record the album down in Florida after a few months, but to his and the band's dismay, were prevented from doing so by [Roadrunner Records](/source/Roadrunner_Records) at the behest of [Monte Conner](/source/Monte_Conner), the label's head of A&R.[8] Conner said that he was "burnt on Scott" and believed that Suffocation could produce "an even better version" of their debut EP *[Human Waste](/source/Human_Waste)* (1991) without him: "I was looking for that sound [...] natural and not with the typewriter kicks Scott was known for."[7] Similarly, vocalist [Frank Mullen](/source/Frank_Mullen) and drummer [Mike Smith](/source/Mike_Smith_(drummer)) both claimed that Roadrunner wanted the band to record without Burns as he was too popular.[9][10] Hobbs said that the band were unable to fly down to Florida due to financial constraints, and so opted to "record [the album] at home".[11]

Suffocation attempted to get producer [Colin Richardson](/source/Colin_Richardson) on board, but he turned them down as they were "too heavy", according to Mullen.[11] Ultimately, Suffocation recorded *Breeding the Spawn* with producer Paul Bagin at Noise Lab in [West Islip, New York](/source/West_Islip,_New_York)—whom they had both used previously for the *Human Waste* EP.[4][11][12] Hobbs said that the album's production was marred by various arguments and inner turmoil within Suffocation, which he felt "came through in the record", and the fact that its engineer was unfamiliar with the band's style of music.[13] Mullen described the production as an "absolute disaster", noting how Smith's drum tracks were recorded: "Mike did drums one day, and then they told him to come back another day, and it was miked up differently. We were just shocked and devastated."[14] Smith's unhappiness with *Breeding the Spawn* and Roadrunner's perceived lack of support for Suffocation led him to quit the band in 1994;[10][15] he would return upon their reformation in 2002.[16]

In a 2021 interview with *[Decibel](/source/Decibel_(magazine))*, Hobbs remarked of the album cover: "I think you can see something is wrong in the band [...]. I’m not a big fan of that cover. We were having a hard time in the studio up here. The band wasn’t doing well. That cover is a reflection of how bad things were for us. The cover is a scar. The production wasn’t the greatest, especially considering how good the music was."[17]

## Release and reception

*Breeding the Spawn* was first released in May 1993,[6][18] and in the United States on June 1, 1993.[19] Following its release, Suffocation toured North America with [Vader](/source/Vader_(band)) and [Dismember](/source/Dismember_(band)) from June 11 to 27, 1993.[20]

*Breeding the Spawn* received mixed reviews from critics, with much of the criticism addressed at its poor production.[2][5][21] In 2017, the album topped *[Decibel](/source/Decibel_(magazine))'*s list of the "Top 5 Death Metal Albums Marred by Terrible Production", who described its "twisted, obscenely technical songwriting" as "barely audible in the morass of Paul Bagin's production."[4] Richard Street-Jammer of *[Invisible Oranges](/source/Invisible_Oranges)* referred to the album as "a fucking tragedy" due to its recording, which he described as "so bad that it's nearly [lo-fi](/source/Lo-fi_music)", and said he was unable to determine the quality of its songs based on the original album.[22] Mörat of *[Kerrang!](/source/Kerrang!)* was more positive of the album's sound, feeling that its "back to basics" approach helped Suffocation lose the novelty of sounding "like yet another Scott Burns [Morri-bloody-sound Studios](/source/Morrisound_Recording) band" as they had on *Effigy of the Forgotten*.[23]

[AllMusic](/source/AllMusic) reviewer Eduardo Rivadavia felt that the album's production "definitely served to dampen the flesh-piercing capacity of otherwise razor sharp onslaughts such as 'Beginning of Sorrow,' 'Anomalistic Offerings' and the title track, while rendering secondary tracks like 'Marital Decimation' and 'Ornaments of Decrepancy' into so much death metal mush."[2] Despite this, he considered Suffocation's instrumental and vocal performances to be "as expected" and recommended the album to the band's "die-hard fans".[2] *[The Quietus](/source/The_Quietus)* similarly noted in 2017 that the album was testament to how "Suffocation fanatics are willing to overlook dodgy production if the songs are good enough".[24] In their 2023 retrospective review, [Metal Storm](/source/Metal_Storm_(webzine)) claimed that *Breeding the Spawn* was "The blueprint that many latter-day tech death bands would borrow from" and "an overlooked part of the trifecta that built the reputation of Suffocation."[3] Canadian journalist [Martin Popoff](/source/Martin_Popoff) gave the album a mixed review, claiming that [Pantera](/source/Pantera) was "actually heavier than far-flung death[*sic*] on half a dozen different scales."[25]

## Aftermath

Roadrunner apologized to Suffocation for the production of *Breeding the Spawn*, which Conner later referred to as a "mistake",[7] and allowed the band to work with whoever they wanted to for their third album *[Pierced from Within](/source/Pierced_from_Within)* (1995).[26] According to Mullen, "We [Suffocation] said, 'We want to go back to Scott Burns.' That's what we wanted for *Breeding*. There was no way in hell we were thinking, 'Oh yes, we're not going to go to Scott. We're going to some studio in Long Island'."[26] Burns felt that the production of *Breeding the Spawn* was "shit", but did not hold a grudge with either Suffocation of Conner as "[the band] was doing what their record company told them; Monte was looking out for the band's best interests."[27]

On *Pierced from Within*, Suffocation decided to re-record *Breeding the Spawn'*s title track so the song could be presented as the band originally intended.[10] The band has continued to re-record most of the album's songs on their later albums.[22][28] "Prelude to Repulsion" and "Anomalistic Offerings" were re-recorded on *[Suffocation](/source/Suffocation_(album))* (2006), with the latter found on the Japanese version of the album; "Marital Decimation" on *[Blood Oath](/source/Blood_Oath_(album))* (2009);[29] "Beginning of Sorrow" on *[Pinnacle of Bedlam](/source/Pinnacle_of_Bedlam)* (2013);[30] "Epitaph of the Credulous" on *[...Of the Dark Light](/source/...Of_the_Dark_Light)* (2017);[31] and "Ignorant Deprivation" on *[Hymns from the Apocrypha](/source/Hymns_from_the_Apocrypha)* (2023).[32] As of 2023, "Ornaments Of Discrepancy" remains the sole track from *Breeding the Spawn* to have not been re-recorded on any of Suffocation's later albums.[32] In a 2006 interview, Smith said that Suffocation would only re-record *Breeding the Spawn* in full if the original lineup was involved, as it would take too long for the band to teach its songs to its newer members and "prevent us from moving forward".[33] "Even though they'll all sound different", Hobbs reasoned in a 2013 interview, "it'll all sound better than that record."[13]

## Personnel

Adapted from liner notes.[12]**Suffocation**

- [Frank Mullen](/source/Frank_Mullen) – [vocals](/source/Death_growl)
- [Terrance Hobbs](/source/Terrance_Hobbs) – [lead guitar](/source/Lead_guitar)
- Doug Cerrito – [rhythm guitar](/source/Rhythm_guitar)
- Chris Richards – [bass](/source/Bass_guitar)
- [Mike Smith](/source/Mike_Smith_(drummer)) – [drums](/source/Drum_kit)

**Production**

- Paul Bagin – production, mixing, engineering (at Noise Lab)
- [Chris Gehringer](/source/Chris_Gehringer) – mastering (at [The Hit Factory](/source/The_Hit_Factory))

**Artwork**

- [Dan Seagrave](/source/Dan_Seagrave) – cover artwork
- Doug Cerrito – logo
- Kristin Callahan – photography
- Monido Graphics – art direction

## Release history

Release history for Breeding the Spawn Region Label Format Date Catalog # Ref. Europe Roadrunner CD CS LP May 1993 RR-9913-2 [6][18] United States CD CS June 1, 1993 [19] Various Listenable LP March 26, 2021 POSH333 [34] CD June 25, 2021 POSH563 Music on Vinyl LP August 26, 2022 MOVLP3057 [35] Listenable LP CS April 28, 2023 POSH678 [36] POSH679 [37]

## References

1. Fabricus 1992.

1. Rivadavia, Eduardo (n.d.). ["Breeding the Spawn - Suffocation"](https://www.allmusic.com/album/r184404). *[AllMusic](/source/AllMusic)*. Retrieved October 14, 2011.

1. omne metallum (February 6, 2023). ["Suffocation - Breeding The Spawn review"](https://metalstorm.net/pub/review.php?review_id=18225). *[Metal Storm](/source/Metal_Storm_(webzine))*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230401164745/https://metalstorm.net/pub/review.php?review_id=18225) April 1, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2024-03-02.

1. Dick, Chris (2017-03-27). ["Top 5 Death Metal Albums Marred by Terrible Production"](https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2017/03/27/top-5-death-metal-albums-marred-by-terrible-production/). *[Decibel](/source/Decibel_(magazine))*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230331125911/https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2017/03/27/top-5-death-metal-albums-marred-by-terrible-production/) March 31, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2024-03-02.

1. D, Sergeant (2010-09-28). ["What Is The Best Suffocation Album???"](https://www.metalsucks.net/2010/09/28/what-is-the-best-suffocation-album/). *[MetalSucks](/source/MetalSucks)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180815024107/http://www.metalsucks.net/2010/09/28/what-is-the-best-suffocation-album/) August 15, 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2024-03-02.

1. Anon. 1993a.

1. Gehkle 2023, p. 346.

1. Gehkle 2023, pp. 347, 349.

1. Westphal, Thomas (2004). ["Suffocation"](https://www.voicesfromthedarkside.de/interview/suffocation/). *Voices From The Darkside*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200809083310/https://www.voicesfromthedarkside.de/interview/suffocation/) August 9, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2024-03-06.

1. Áda (January 26, 2007). ["Suffocation: A Legend Reborn"](https://www.dacicko.com/the-suffering/pieces-e/pieces.php?id=suffocation). *The Suffering*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230925103053/http://dacicko.com/the-suffering/pieces-e/pieces.php?id=suffocation) September 25, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2024-03-06.

1. Gehkle 2023, p. 349.

1. [Suffocation](/source/Suffocation_(band)) (1993). *Breeding the Spawn* (booklet). [Roadrunner Records](/source/Roadrunner_Records). RR-9913-2.

1. Freeman, Phil (2013-02-11). ["Interview: Terrance Hobbs"](https://burningambulance.com/2013/02/11/interview-terrance-hobbs/). *Burning Ambulance*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230531231943/https://burningambulance.com/2013/02/11/interview-terrance-hobbs/) May 31, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2024-03-02.

1. Gehkle 2023, pp. 349–350.

1. Anon. (June 3, 2004). ["Suffocation"](http://www.metalupdate.com/interviewsuffocation.html). *Metal Update*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20231208070538/http://metalupdate.com/interviewsuffocation.html) December 8, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2024-03-02.

1. Blabbermouth (2002-09-03). ["Suffocation Drummer Speaks Out On Reunion, Future Plans"](https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/suffocation-drummer-speaks-out-on-reunion-future-plans/). *[Blabbermouth.net](/source/Blabbermouth.net)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211207223400/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/suffocation-drummer-speaks-out-on-reunion-future-plans/) December 7, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2024-03-06.

1. Dick, Chris (2021-10-08). ["Suffocation Celebrate 30th Anniversary of 'Effigy of the Forgotten'"](https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2021/10/08/suffocation-death-metal/). *Decibel Magazine*. Retrieved 2025-05-20.

1. Sharpe-Young 2007, p. 194.

1. Anon. 1993b.

1. Anon. 1993c.

1. Hill, John (2024-06-06). ["10 Excellent Albums Ruined By Terrible Production"](https://loudwire.com/best-rock-metal-albums-terrible-production/). *[Loudwire](/source/Loudwire)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240606155356/https://web.archive.org/web/20240606155356/https://loudwire.com/best-rock-metal-albums-terrible-production/) 2024-06-06 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2024-07-08.

1. Street-Jammer, Richard (February 10, 2012). ["Don't Turn These Up To 11, Part 4: Death Metal"](https://www.invisibleoranges.com/dont-turn-these-up-to-11-part-4-death-metal/). *[Invisible Oranges](/source/Invisible_Oranges)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170518235220/http://www.invisibleoranges.com/dont-turn-these-up-to-11-part-4-death-metal/) May 18, 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2024-03-02.

1. Mörat 1993.

1. Whelan, Kez (2017-06-27). ["Columnus Metallicus: Heavy Metal For June Reviewed By Kez Whelan"](https://thequietus.com/quietus-reviews/metal/vallenfyre-impetuous-ritual-municipal-waste-heavy-metal-album-review/). *[The Quietus](/source/The_Quietus)*. [Archived](https://archive.today/20240516123041/https://thequietus.com/quietus-reviews/metal/vallenfyre-impetuous-ritual-municipal-waste-heavy-metal-album-review/) 2024-05-16 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2024-05-16.

1. Popoff 2007.

1. Gehkle 2023, p. 350.

1. Gehkle 2023, p. 347.

1. Gehkle 2023, p. 348.

1. ["Suffocation"](https://themusic.com.au/features/suffocation/Hkc6MDMyNTQ/09-10-09). *themusic.com.au*. October 9, 2009. Retrieved 2024-03-02.

1. Blabbermouth (2012-12-07). ["Suffocation: 'Pinnacle Of Bedlam' Track Listing Revealed"](https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/suffocation-pinnacle-of-bedlam-track-listing-revealed/). *[Blabbermouth.net](/source/Blabbermouth.net)*. Retrieved 2024-03-02.

1. Gorania, Jay H. (2017-06-30). ["...Of the Dark Light"](https://www.blabbermouth.net/cdreviews/of-the-dark-light/). *[Blabbermouth.net](/source/Blabbermouth.net)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211023180932/https://www.blabbermouth.net/cdreviews/of-the-dark-light/) October 23, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2024-03-02.

1. Lawson, Dom (2023-11-04). ["Hymns From The Apocrypha"](https://blabbermouth.net/reviews/hymns-from-the-apocrypha). *[Blabbermouth.net](/source/Blabbermouth.net)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20231116155720/https://blabbermouth.net/reviews/hymns-from-the-apocrypha) November 16, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2024-03-02.

1. Morgan, Anthony (July 4, 2006). ["Dawn of a Golden Age"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070308005100/http://www.rockdetector.com/interviews/artist,8702.sm?id=100). *Rockdetector*. Archived from [the original](http://www.rockdetector.com/interviews/artist,8702.sm?id=100) on 2007-03-08. Retrieved 2024-03-02.

1. ["Suffocation"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210922211723/https://www.shop-listenable.net/en/44_suffocation). *Listenable Records*. Archived from [the original](https://www.shop-listenable.net/en/44_suffocation) on 2021-09-22. Retrieved 2024-05-16.

1. ["SUFFOCATION - BREEDING THE SPAWN - Music On Vinyl"](https://web.archive.org/web/20220812234035/https://www.musiconvinyl.com/catalog/suffocation/breeding-the-spawn). *Music on Vinyl*. Archived from [the original](https://www.musiconvinyl.com/catalog/suffocation/breeding-the-spawn) on 2022-08-12. Retrieved 2024-05-16.

1. ["SUFFOCATION : 'Breeding the Spawn' Limited Edition Picture disc Vinyl"](https://shop-listenable.net/en/vinyls/13687-suffocation-breeding-the-spawn-limited-edition-picture-disc-viny.html). 2023-06-03. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230603083224/https://shop-listenable.net/en/vinyls/13687-suffocation-breeding-the-spawn-limited-edition-picture-disc-viny.html) June 3, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2024-05-16.

1. ["SUFFOCATION : 'Breeding the Spawn' LIMITED EDITION CASSETTE WITH FULL COLOUR ONBODY PRINT ON SHELL !"](https://shop-listenable.net/en/cassettes/13712-suffocation-breeding-the-spawn-limited-edition-cassette-with-full-colour-onbody-print-on-shell-.html). 2023-06-03. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230603083604/https://shop-listenable.net/en/cassettes/13712-suffocation-breeding-the-spawn-limited-edition-cassette-with-full-colour-onbody-print-on-shell-.html) June 3, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2024-05-16.

## Bibliography

- Anon. (May 1, 1993). "Mayhem: Record Releases". *[Kerrang!](/source/Kerrang!)*. No. 441. [EMAP](/source/EMAP). p. 8.
- Anon. (May 24, 1993). ["Peddle to the Metal"](https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Hits/90s/1993/Hits-1993-05-24.pdf). *[HITS](/source/Hits_(magazine))*. Vol. 7, no. 343. p. 74. Retrieved May 16, 2024. – via worldradiohistory.com.
- Anon. (June 4, 1993). ["Hard Tour Guide"](https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Hard-Report/1993/Hard-1993-06-04.pdf). *The Hard Report*. No. 328. The Hard Report, Inc. p. 52. Retrieved May 19, 2024. – via worldradiohistory.com.
- Fabricus, Jodie (October 23, 1992). ["Metal Filings"](https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Hard-Report/1992/Hard-1992-10-23.pdf). *The Hard Report*. No. 299. The Hard Report, Inc. p. 54. Retrieved May 16, 2024. – via worldradiohistory.com.
- Gehkle, David E. (2023). "1995". *The Scott Burns Sessions: A Life in Death Metal 1987–1997*. US: Decibel Books. pp. 346–351. ISBN 979-889184521-3.
- Jacey, Phil (May 1993). "Reviews". *[Metal Hammer](/source/Metal_Hammer)*. Vol. 8, no. 5. UK: Rock Team Publishing. p. 39. [ISSN 0955-1190](https://www.worldcat.org/issn/0955-1190)
- Larkin, Colin (ed.) (2006). "Suffocation". *Encyclopedia of Popular Music*. Vol. 7. 4th ed. [MUZE](/source/MUZE). p. [827](https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofpo0007unse/page/826). ISBN 978-0-19-531373-4.
- Mörat (May 1, 1993). "Rekordz". *[Kerrang!](/source/Kerrang!)*. No. 441. [EMAP](/source/EMAP). p. 44.
- Popoff, Martin (2007). *The Collector's Guide to Heavy Metal: Volume 3: The Nineties*. [Burlington, Ontario](/source/Burlington,_Ontario), [Canada](/source/Canada): [Collector's Guide Publishing](/source/Collector's_Guide_Publishing). p. 428. ISBN 978-1-894959-62-9.
- Sharpe-Young, Garry (2007). "Suffocation". *Metal: The Definitive Guide*. Jawbone Press. p. [194–195](https://archive.org/details/metaldefinitiveg0000shar/page/194). ISBN 978-1-906002-01-5. – via [Internet Archive](/source/Internet_Archive)

## External links

- *[Breeding the Spawn](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_linmA4N_nCLncdDSvBoSODTZA6jcmJGjE)* on [YouTube](/source/YouTube) (streamed copy where licensed)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Breeding the Spawn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breeding_the_Spawn) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breeding_the_Spawn?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.