Groov-y
Raise your hand if you like Cannibal Corpse? The Portland, Oregon OSDM quartet, Torture Rack puts out their 3rd full length, “Primeval Onslaught” on June 9th via 20 Buck Spin.
Torture Rack consists of bassist and vocalist JG and guitarist T.T. Those initials might sound familiar as JG and T.T. have another death metal project, Witch Vomit, if you not are familiar with them – you should be. It has been a few years since the latest Witch Vomit material appeared in 2021, but it appears that they have not been idle.
Bomb-blastic
The 90s called and they want their riffs back. Torture Rack oozes 90’s old-school death metal, particularly “Vile“-era Cannibal Corpse. The opening track even features the Mazurkiewicz-bomb blast; it’s not overused so I see it more as an homage as the rest of the album has it’s own identity.
While only sitting at 26 minutes, “Primeval Onslaught” does not lack in the riff department. Lot’s of riffs to chew on but not so much that you get lost in the sauce. The rhythm department also keep it lively by mixing it up between mid paced double-bass, skank beats to all-out blast beats.
As you might expect with bands on the 20 Buck Spin roster, the production on “Primeval Onslaught” is beefy and well-done and much cleaner than the previous TR full length, “Malefic Humiliation“.
Brutality Through Simplicity
Simple death metal doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Not every death metal album has to have the technical complexity of Spawn Of Possession or Obscura, and that’s okay. Sometimes I want to relax, listen to some groove and have my ears pounded with double-bass.
In Conclusion
“Primeval Onslaught” does not disappoint. Highly recommended if you are in the mood for simplistic, get-the-job-done yet high quality death metal.
JG and team appear to alternate releases between Witch Vomit and Torture Rack. Will we see a new Witch Vomit soon?
For fans of: Cannibal Corpse, Frozen Soul and Grave
My rating scale:
1 Star: STAY AWAY. Far away.
2 Stars: Major flaws but you gave it a chance. Destined for the bargain bin.
3 Stars: Overall, it’s okay despite some obvious flaws. Fanboys can get enjoyment out of it it but someone who is more critical may have an issue with it. Buy at a discount or while on sale.
4 Stars: Nearly perfect. A must listen and well suited to add to your collection.
5 Stars: BUY IT NOW, no questions asked. I don’t care if you don’t like [insert genre]
Check Out “Primeval Onslaught” below!!
| Band: Torture Rack |
| Album: Primeval Onslaught |
| World Wide Release: June, 9 2023 |
| Label: 20 Buck Spin |
| Favorite Track: Forced From The Pit |
In Other News…
My favorite time of the year is approaching, no its not Halloween, its the MOTHERFUCKING METAL SWAP MEET! On October 21, 2023 be prepared to get blasted with beer, meat and HEAVY METAL at Protector Brewery @ 8680 Miralani Dr, San Diego CA. 92136. Tons of opportunities to meet new and old friends, thumb through the album racks and pick up that record you’ve been searching for, come and see the unholy and almighty NIGHT DEMON or stop by my booth and say “hi!” and talk metal. Stay tuned to the Metal Swap Meet Facebook group as well as this very website for future updates.
Lastly, go check out what SDMETAL.COM recently had to say about the the Metal Swap Meet.
-Eric Reeder 5/28/23