With the surge of death metal releases over the past few years, it’s a no brainer new and old bands are jumping on the bandwagon. You can make some allowances on the quality for the bands that are only just entering the space, but does the same apply to the golden oldies?
Well, there’s no need to even consider this question with relentless Dutch outfit SEVERE TORTURE. With over 25 years of experience in brute force heaviness, the band return with their sixth full-length album after being M.I.A for over a decade. It seems the hiatus has worked in their favour, unleashing a fierce invigoration. Keeping within their pungent sound, Torn From The Jaws Of Death embodies the essence of brutal death metal. Latest addition behind the kit Damiën Kerpentier produces a grotesque onslaught of pummelling, while the lyrics concerning murder, torture and organised religion causes a sinister affliction leading you to reflect on the world around you. The earlier influence of CANNIBAL CORPSE is still apparent across the record. Marry that with SUFFORCATION-esque pulverisation and you get 38 minutes of consistent savagery.
Launching into the carnage, The Death Of Everything is a full-throttle assault and wastes no time in showcasing what this band is all about. From Dennis Scheurs’ blood-curdling opening grunt you are hurtled into a cyclone of riffs, suffocating beats and fiendish growls. Not allowing even a second to catch your breath, Marked By Blood And Darkness bombards you with frantic drum work that does not seem to give up. Not that you’d want it to anyway. Despite the extremity, the execution doesn’t feel heavy for the sake of it nor overbearing against the other elements. The meaty bassline and sinister riff during the mid-section combined with lyrical grimness perfectly encapsulates SEVERE TORTURE’s M.O., and it slaps.
SEVERE TORTURE are a band who have consistently worked to elevate their sound. Leaning into blackened death on the title track adds a freshness to the record amidst the persistent brutal death metal. The lyrics are as disgusting as the gutturals and the brain-hijacking guitar section and chorus make for a standout. There is not a moment of solitude as Tear All The Flesh Off The Earth concludes the record as lethal as it started. The combination of merciless and precise riffing masterfully demonstrates how to wrap up an album. The two guitars harmonising as they wrap around each other in one last burst of energy warrants a stank-faced nod of approval.
Torn From The Jaws Of Death marks an impressive return from SEVERE TORTURE. Drifting into new genres and layering the otherwise one-note vocals breathes new life into the band, allowing the record to place high up in their discography. Each instrument gets its moment in the spotlight, shining a light on the tightness of the band and longstanding prowess of the members. A solid brutal death metal album in a great time for the genre.
Rating: 7/10
Torn From The Jaws Of Death is set for release on June 7th via Season Of Mist.
Like SEVERE TORTURE on Facebook.