| CD REVIEW Tormenta |
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Band : Tormenta The first thing that turned on my attention when browsing through the info I got along with the download promo of this quintet's debut mini-album, was nót the fact that the guys play a Bay Area styled Thrash Metal, but the fact that they were from the Maldives, an island nation formed by a double chain of 26 atolls (including no less than 1190 coral islands), situated atop a 960 km long submarine ridge (runs North to South) in the Indian Ocean. The thing is, I'd never come across a band from that part of our planet! So, imagine my surprise upon looking up more info about the island state, that it has been under strict Islam rule since the 12th century. Although the island group went from being a sultanate to a British protectorate, and has been forced to adopt a more democratic form of government in the last decade, the open practice of any other religion is to this date forbidden. In fact, the Maldives is one of the countries topping the list of governments restricting religious freedom. It's therefore somewhat of a surprise to find a band playing socio-politically influenced Thrash Metal (lyrics talk about “...how the world has come to be, people at each other's throats, trying to overpower each other through sheer force, propaganda, bribery, etc...” - from the band's facebook page) coming from this place. But...let's first look at the band's history! No exact idea is given whén it all started, but start it did on the island of Malé with guitarist Lai and drummer Dhai who, wanting to form their own band in the vein of Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Sepultura, and more of that ilk, started practicing with other local bands like Locura and Serenity Dies, all the while continuing the search for a singer, lead guitarist and bassist to set out on their own. Through the intervention of Serenity Dies' Chippe, the duo came in contact with lead guitarist Mabi. Singer at the time was one A.D. (of the band Phormentera), but Locura drummer Mu-k occasionally sat in on a couple of practice sessions to sing as well. Eventually the bass position was taken in by the heavily Iron Maiden influenced Riley, and with a set consisting of covers only, the band made its debut gig on June 26, 2006 during an anti-drug campaign show. Guesting for a couple of Sepultura covers was the aforementioned Mu-k, and it's during the moments that he was on stage that the musicians felt best...so eventually he took over vocal duties on a permanent basis. Concentrating on playing covers for the first year they were out on the field to consolidate the internal bonds, the band made it a point to renew their live set with each show they played. In fact, the guys were only starting to play some songs of their own, when the loss of their practice room (and a variety of other reasons) led the band to take a break, and put a halt on their plans for their first recordings. The guys regrouped in 2009, with one small but significant change. Heavily influenced by the great Thrash Metal pioneers, J355y took over from Riley. After a lot of hard work and the overcoming of several obstacles, the band eventually self-released Tormented Souls on April 30 of last year. Thanks to the intermediate of Rock 'n' Growl, we here in Europe (and beyond, because the deal is apparently worldwide) can now listen to the frantic Progressively tinted Thrash Metal of this band. It starts with the relentless melodies of the rhythm section, atop of which come the fast-played catchy rhythm guitar and wonderful fillings by the lead guitarist. The singer sounds like he's being possessed by a demon (and I'm sure I'm not saying anything blasphemous or heretic here, because évery religion has its demons and saints, even Islam!), scream-growling his way through his lyrics in a style which is indeed very much influenced by Max Cavalera. Album opener “Judgement” also gets some sound bits added, making it a typical intro song in the genre. The ensuing “Hours Of Darkness” takes things on a slightly calmer pace, as far as the guitars go, because the rhythm section keeps pounding at full volatility. The rest of the tracks follows in the same vein...and by the way, you can listen to each and every one of the mini-album's songs at the band's facebook page (find the page by google-ing “the tormenta” and “facebook”, there click “About Tormented Souls; EP” to find the tracks). Why then should one feel compelled to also chack out (www.) myspace.com/thetormenta? Why, because there you also get quite a bit of videos. Not only the official clip for the album's title track and a promotional clip for the album (some shocking images there), but also a threesome of live tracks. At the moment of speaking, the band is hard at work to deliver their full-length debut, which should see the light of day somewhere later this same year. Well, I'm certainly looking forward to further my acquaintance with this band, because they produce some of the better Thrash Metal I've heard in years! 92/100 Tony. |