First off, I’d just like to say that the drummer here, Joe Parkinson will have to fight it out with Lyn Jeffs of Ingested for my favourite drummer, I can’t decide.
So my friends we have those masters of destruction, available for demolition work -ahem- Tortured Demon at your service, famed for their spectacular appearance at Bloodstock, and being invited back this year, they herald a new dawn in Thrash metal with ‘Rise Of The Lifeless’ an album that sends out the flares to light up your infernal heart. They are the newbies; young blooded, fresh faced and interlaced with gelignite, they launch themselves into the arena, like the fearless giant killers they are. The majestic opening of ‘An Empire Condemned’ august in its conveyance, carrying the entire album on its shoulders.
Tortured Demon are brothers Jacob and Joe Parkinson – vocals/guitar and drums respectively, Billy Hourigan – lead guitar and Sean Xavier on bass/ backing vocals, completing a strategically positioned outfit that is steeped in history, yet ready to march forward through the musical trenches. Whether you are facing a ‘Virtual Death’ or a ‘Global Threat’ you will face it with a smile, such is the vitality and life-giving force here present.
‘Disfavour’ is a beautifully constructed number, huge chorus and at 2.19 you get the riff of ecstasy, attempted by many, conquered by few, reminiscent of the musical prowess of Necrophagist and ‘Fermented Offal Discharge’ which itself is a criminally underrated solo.
These rising stars boldly announce that ‘This War Will Come To You’ be ready to play your part my friends, and help to set the wrongs to rights, we have seen too many injustices, these youngsters have a very mature brain, watching the world fall apart and catching all the debris to write about it here. It is a stinging indictment when our young take up the challenges, when they highlight how they have been mistreated and misled.
The feverish finale is ‘The Damage Is Done’ with its intelligently crafted melody, 2.50 -3.34 and then again 4.12 – 4.32 the thought and precision is quite breath-taking.
When heaven forfends, Hell descends, steady your demons lest you find me lifeless in your arms.
Azra Pathan
Tortured Demon – Rise Of The Lifeless out now