Thrash Alert! Here come Torture!
Bands reform all the time, so what makes Torture so special? Returning after over a decade with a remastered version of their 1989 debut 'Storm Alert', Torture have proved to the listener that though they may not be part of the trends of now, they still have something relevant and most importantly enjoyable to say.
Opening with the ubiquitous atmospheric intro (including some nice choral samples), which is seemingly a requirement of all albums, these days, I wasn't setting myself up for much, enjoyable retro thrash with nothing much to offer? Exactly what I was expecting, however, what we expect isn't what always happens and 'Storm Alert' is much more than just a remastered album. The 11 minute long 'Dwell In Surreality' is the first track that sticks out, with the song going through a variety of speeds and levels of intricacy through its long length and really exploring what the band have to offer. Whilst much of the CD plods along in an enjoyable fashion, mixing old school thrash with new school values, the next real highlight comes in the 2 part instrumental 'Whips', with the vocals of singer Tom Hicks left absent the listener is treated to an enjoyable demonstration of the bands musicianship which is highly enjoyable!
The reproduction and remixing by producer Neil Kernon is very good, as you would expect from a man who has to mix intricate bands such as Nile or Nevermore, the guitars never interfere or wail too highly in ones ears and unlike much older metal which is passed down from the 80's you feel there is an equilibrium in the music. The mixture of Torture's older sound with modern sound sensibilities makes for a good mix.
Although on the whole, the classic thrash stylings of this album aren't really my thing, I cannot fault it for what it does at all. For any fan of thrash this is a CD worth giving a look into, it has a modern enough sound for it to be really accessible whilst retaining the retro sound in the bands song writing which makes you feel almost nostalgic for a band you've never even heard before. 'Storm Alert' is a confident and competent, although not amazing release, which should see the reformed bands star rise.