Cannibal Corpse – Torture, Album Review

I will try to contain myself; I am a huge fan of Cannibal Corpse, I cannot wait to see them again in Glasgow next month.  The long awaited Torture album, to be officially released on the 13^th of March 2012 by Metal Blade Records.

We kick off with Tormented Aggression, which is, of course, aggressive.  No waiting around for these guys, the usual fast blast beats from Paul and heavy riffs from Pat and Rob and then George sets off with his usual insane range of fast growling and high screams.  At 1.11 a stomping groovy beat sets in, these guys are masters at headbang-ablity and that is why I love them.  At 1.56 the same groove comes back and the tempo increases again.

I really enjoy the slower phase at 0.49 in Sacrcophagic Frenzy; the guitar tone used in the lead guitar is very unsettling.  At 1.43 a drum beat comes in that reminds me of the one at the start of Five Nails Through the Neck, the signature style that Cannibal Corpse have comes through in every track. The way George uses his vocals at 2.25 to create a groove is engaging I can imagine myself screaming this along with him at a gig.

Offfft the start of track Three Scourge of Iron, slow, controlled and foot stomping, however that edge of menace is still represent in the tone of the guitars that don’t let you relax.Torture album artwork by the amazing Vincent Locke    

Jesus Christ that bass line from Alex at 0.55 in Intestinal Crack is incredible! The layers are so well mixed, loving the question and answer between the vocals and the lead guitar later on, pinches!

Annnd a bass solo at 2.15 in The Strangulation Chair.

2.07 in Caged …Contorted, a bone chilling solo with an eerie guitar tone.

Offffffffffffffffffffffft Crucifer Avenged, try and keep your feet still while listening to this, I dare you.

Every track is stuffed full of changes, your mind is never left to wander. When you think of Cannibal Corpse you think of intensity and groove, they never fail to deliver it, even live. The same formula is there, but they manage to bring something different to the table every time.  Periods of insane encumbering sound broken by interesting flits of guitar and groove, held together by maniac vocals. They give you everything you could ever want from a metal band. Like any amazing metal experience after listening to an album or seeing a live performance an inner malice comes through and is allowed to run riot for a few hours and the tensions of life are forgotten. Another triumph as far as I’m concerned.

And finally, just because it must be done, SOOOOOOOOOOOFA!

Album Rating 10 out of 10

Track Listing

1. Demented Aggression
2. Sarcophagic Frenzy
3. Scourge of Iron
4. Encased in Concrete
5. As Deep As the Knife Will Go
6. Intestinal CrankDownload Track
7. Followed Home Then Killed
8. The Strangulation Chair
9. Caged…Contorted
10. Crucifier Avenged
11. Rabid
12. Torn Through

Band Line Up

Alex Webster
Paul Mazurkiewicz
Rob Barrett
George Fisher
Pat O’Brien

Band Links

www.cannibalcorpse.net