Another three years pass, and the loyal death metal legions have had to suffer the ignominy of some unholy abominations, within a seemingly stagnant scene where any chance of real talent in the underground seeing light of day has been all but extinguished due to the unforgiveable lack of magazine coverage. Praise the rotting Saviour that there is always something comforting to the die-hard death metal fan when the Corpse release their new extravaganza. It doesn’t even enter the realms of discussion that our affable bunch fromBuffalowould attempt branching out into anything else other than violent, gore-splattered death. Why the hell would they want to?

In saying that, subtle changes were needed to freshen it all up, and show the hunger lingered on. Luckily, I can say that the unhealthy lust for dead flesh has never been so voracious.

With “Torture”, Cannibal Corpse have put together an album that is probably their most well-rounded, mature, varied, and consistent offering since the excellent Bloodthirst. Torture is an album that oozes quality from every orifice. In a scene where established acts are going through the motions, it is testament to the Corpse that they balance brutality, catchy licks, and heaviness with the panache of the supremely confident musicians that they are.

“Demented Aggression” is the unsurprising quick-fire introduction, and a good way to set the tone; the frenetic nature and naked aggression on some of the previous releases replicated here with unnerving ease. “Sarcophagic Frenzy” takes the battering, unrelenting approach of a hammer attack to the face, but with a deftly arranged Bolt Thrower-esque section adding depth; an early indication as to why this album rises above others in the genre. In previous years, this slower, dark and creepy section may have been omitted for the sake of speed and aggression, but here it is masterfully positioned and executed.

The fact that there has been a more equitable share of writing duties has clearly paid dividends this time around, with all members of the band being given the chance to showcase their wares. O’ Brien and Barrett both bringing their own styles, experience, and ideas to the table, and this in itself has given “Torture” a feel and emotion that has been orchestrated with both passion, and genuine excitement.

On to the internet pre-release, “Scourge Of Iron”. Some people have already commented, ‘the new album’s Evisceration Plague’; and it is a fair comparison in terms of pace, but in all honesty, this is like the bigger, smarter, and more chiselled older brother. Whilst the speedy, and ill-meaning “Encased In Concrete” has an early solo that gives me visions of a deranged dentist going berserk with his tools, before the pace flips at just the tell-tale moment for some more neck-snapping carnage.

“As Deep As The Knife Will Go” is a grower, and at first hearing struck me as a fairly standard affair, but after subsequent listens I ended up humming it for the rest of the day! The bridge section with its bass laden tones, and the chorus with the galloping guitars are as hot as Satan’s Jacobs, and George maniacally shouting out, ‘Bleed him dry, bleed him dry’ just has me reaching for the carving knife. The rancid icing on the very bloody cake being a jaw-dropping solo.  “Followed Home Then Killed” (quality title!) starts off like no Corpse song has done before, the eerie guitar sound making you feel like you are actually inside the mind of the poor twisted stalker about to gut some poor wench then gleefully frolic with her innards. This one has a more technical approach, complimenting the creepiness perfectly.

The cool and crushing “Caged…Contorted” bludgeons away with a groove before it eventually descends into a ferocious assault on the senses. Nasty, aggressive and reminiscent of something off Vile or Gallery…..the riff that keeps coming back in is mouth-wateringly juicy. Now on to my personal favourite, “Crucifier Avenged” which is just a stand-out track. Complete with a bastardised Once Upon the Cross era Deicide riff (but better), this is arguably the most aggressive Cannibal Corpse song ever recorded. It takes no prisoners. It kicks arse. It simply rules.

Finally, “Torn Through” sounds like it’s been lifted straight from the back catalogue with the wild guitars and complex arrangement to boot. A fitting way to end an album which will leave you gasping for your next breath. Torture throws up new surprises after every listen, and is not a release that you’ll want to skip tracks on. It is a behemoth, monolithic, and a career defining moment. Torture sounds more like a band on its second studio album rather than being on its twelfth, and already a fair way into its third decade. When all others fall by the wayside, Cannibal Corpse will be left standing victorious on a pile of rotting zombies like a smug Bruce Campbell out of Evil Dead, and rightly so on this evidence……Hail to the Kings baby!

(9/10 Andy Duke)

http://www.cannibalcorpse.net/