I didn't quite know what to expect from Torqued when I was presented with their latest EP, having only a little prior knowledge of the band.
Describing themselves as "Groove Laden Heavy Metal" from the south of England, this Devon based 3-piece had my attention from the get-go.
"Forgotten soul" kicks us off with a dark, almost industrial sounding, ambient intro, with the sense that something horrific is just around the corner. This music has a pulse. Soon you're straight into groovy, chugging riffs that kick you in the face, and chords that make you feel insane. A short exposition made in a low rumbling bass tone that just warms my heart, and then straight back in full intensity.
Plenty of dark, heavy atmosphere, and an outro breakdown to make your face look constipated. Hell yeah.
"Follow Me" is a heavy hitting and dark second track which keeps the intensity of the music in a way which grips you. The opening riff gets you in the mood for thrash, and the riffs only get better as the song progresses. Not my favourite track here, but definitely something that'll sound great live!
"Overload, I Die Inside" a nice mid-paced addition to the ep. The drum intro gives a tribal notion to the song, which is then built up by the rhythm, and finally overlayed with some gorgeous guitar melodies. The main riff is catchy, the vocals work very well, and the hooks grab your attention, and the outro winds down nice and gradually, all coming together for a great track!
"Hollow Core" hits you, straight out of the gates. The song has a strong Lamb Of God feel to it, and I am certainly not complaining about that. A smooth transition into a much lighter, airy sounding section for the guitar to solo over, which returns swiftly back to more chugs, and a background hint of that industrial sound from the first track. The piano outro wraps the EP up nicely, with a slightly desolate ambience, and almost a feeling of being lost, after the hard-hitting tracks you've just witnessed.
I like it a lot.
What an introduction to this band!
These are obviously very skilled musicians, with a penchant for atmosphere and groove.
I really like the use of different vocal styles throughout the tracks, giving them a nice level of contrast within themselves. The rumbling bass tones give the EP some serious meat, and the groove is undeniable throughout! If anything, perhaps I'd like a little more variation in the guitar riffs, a couple more solos, and perhaps a little more room for the bassist to show off (pretty please?) but I have to say I will definitely be keeping up with this band and checking them out live when I get the chance!
8/10 RIFFS
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