Cannibal Corpse - Torture

When you mention the words 'Death Metal' to me, there are two words that come straight to mind and those words are 'Cannibal Corpse'. They've been playing some of the most brutal music I've ever heard for almost 25 years now and they show no sign of slowing down. Each album seems to be heavier and faster than the last, which is incredible for these veterans. For a band that gets very little radio and television exposure, nearly everyone has heard of the name Cannibal Corpse.

'Torture' is the bands twelfth studio album, produced by Eric Rutan who also worked on their previous two albums 'KILL' and 'Evisceration Plague'. The production on this album is first class and no wonder they keep going back to Rutan. Alex Webster (bassist) has mentioned before that they try and get heavier and heavier with each album, and he's right. Each track on here is unique in their own little way and you can hear all the instruments equally being utilized. George 'Corpsegrinder' Fisher delivers big time on here just like every other album, he is the best in the business at what he does no doubt. Cannibal Corpse is very well known for their gruesome and sadistic lyrics and George takes that and makes sure you hear each line with perfection. The riffs on here are absolutely insane as expected from Pat O'Brien and Rob Barret. They will have you banging your head and jumping around the room playing air guitar. Alex Webster proves he's the best bass player in Death Metal with his technical writing and a nice little solo in the track 'The Strangulation Chair'. I'm going to do a rundown of each track for you with a little description, just an excuse to listen to this amazing album again really.

Demented Aggression - Starts off fast as you'd expect with blistering drums and Corpsegrinder pumping out his signature vocals. A very impressive way to get things going.

Sarcophagic Frenzy - There's that groove they've become so damn good at. Very catchy song with some insane riffage makes this track extremely head-bangable.

Scourge Of Iron - One of my personal favourites on the album and also one of the slower songs. Still catchy and heavy as hell just without the super-fast drums and guitars, which gives George a perfect chance to let his vocals shine through as he belts those lyrics out.

Encased In Concrete - This is the track they chose to make a music video for. Such a brutal song and I'm not surprised that it got the nod, since it showcases Cannibal Corpse at their very best. Great song. Super heavy. Love it.

As Deep As The Knife Will Go - How cool is that title? Awesome. Another catchy track with punishing guitars and Paul going nuts on the drums. How do they come up with such crazy sections in their songs? I guess that's why they're the best.

Intestinal Crank - Fast, heavy, loud. Anyone who doubts their musical ability needs to listen to this, not many bands can do what Cannibal Corpse do. Great solo on this track also.

Followed Home Then Killed - Another very cool song title. Starts off slow and eerie with Corpsegrinder painting a picture using the lyrics as if you were listening to a horror movie. It's slow, heavy, fast and scary all at once. One of my favourites for sure.

The Strangulation Chair - Two words. Alex Webster! The bass solo on this track is incredible with a brilliant build-up, you have to hear it. As for the rest of the song, it's very heavy with some unique timing signatures. Once again, another standout track. 2 minutes and 14 seconds for that bass solo.

Caged...Contorted - This track pounds you into dust with its heaviness. Great riffs and you can hear the crazy bass playing behind it all which is awesome. I love how catchy such a brutal band like Corpse can be.

Crucifier Avenger - Intro sounds familiar. One of the more different songs on the album, I like it a lot though. Not much else to say apart from its heavy and has some interesting parts.

Rabid - Some incredible guitar shredding on this one plus excellent bass playing. Paul also continues to be a standout out on this album with his drum work. Great song.

Torn Through - Heavy, heavy, heavy. This band seriously know a thing or two about song structure, they make everything sound well placed. Impressive end to an amazing album.

So overall I can safely say that this is one of my favourite Cannibal Corpse albums, definitely up there with 'KILL' and just a bit better than 'Evisceration Plague'. It's brutal from start to finish with incredible musicianship from all members. Production quality is also fantastic. They don't seem like slowing down any time soon and I'm glad. I simply can't wait to see them live for my very first time in October. Cannibal Corpse are the kings of Death Metal, and this album proves it.

8.5/10