TORTURE KILLER - Swarm!

TORTURE KILLER
Swarm!
Metal Blade Records
9/10





In consideration of the fact that Torture Killer initially started out as a Six Feet Under cover band, it is particularly sweet justice that the legendary Chris Barnes has joined up with the group as a full-time member. Having already made a name for themselves with a well received, duly powerful 2003 debut, “For Maggots To Devour”, Torture Killer has returned with their idol at the helm for this vital death metal milestone. Produced by Barnes and perfected by the superior mixing skills of Erik Rutan, “Swarm!” slashes away at the listener’s aural faculties with razor sharp riffing, battering double-kick fueled rhythms and of course, the signature undead growl of Barnes, with the combined din leaving mile-high stacks of decaying corpses in the aftermath of its supernatural devastation.

An immense, chugging riff powers “Forever Dead”, a cut strikes the senses like a blunt weapon, bludgeoning the listener into submission with relentless double bass flurries and zombified headbanging grooves. Twin guitar harmonies by guitarists Tuomas Karppinen and Jari Lane during this track’s outro provide the type of diversity that makes the music of Torture Killer appealing. In an age where most death metal bands equate technicality with brutality, the band proves that it is possible to be focused on groove and melody and still come across as being extraordinarily weighty. This type of enhancement also crops up on the memorable “Multiple Counts Of Murder”, a track that incorporates speedy, Exodus-style thrashing sequences and purely overwhelming and infectious chorus breakdown.

“Cannibal Gluttony” stands as being one of the tracks that most unquestionably bears a distinct Six Feet Under vibe, but manages to be even more dynamic with a lead break that is musically reminiscent of King Diamond and a furious wall of guitars that purely slaughters during the track’s chorus. The only real complaint about this otherwise outstanding effort is the infrequency of guitar solos. Quite often, the two axe-wielders will take part in contrasting harmonies to give the music a counterpoint to the more straight-ahead material but rarely do you hear the guitars actually breaking off into a lead at all. In all actuality, the more straight ahead approach is more suited to the type of sound the band is going for, but it would be nice to hear a bit of fretboard blazing under the barks of Barnes.

That said, every track you’ll find here is indeed completely killer, making for yet another essential bullet in the proverbial belt of Barnes’ accomplishments. Once again delivering exactly what the fans expect and ravenously fiend for, “Swarm!” will reign amongst the most mandatory death metal releases you’ll hear in 2006.


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