Tortured Demon – Rise of the Lifeless
Tortured Demon – Rise of the Lifeless
Self-Released
Release Date: 02/06/23
Running Time: 41:06
Review by Paul Hutchings
8/10
Bloodstock 2021. It’s 12pm on the Thursday. A special weekend, extended by a day due to the pandemic. Usually, this would be the time when main gates are opening and thousands of fans rush into the hallowed grounds to begin their pitching, drinking, and general partying. But on 12th August 2021, there was a different rush. The aim, to get to the front of the tiny Jagermeister stage to see Manchester thrashers Tortured Demon. The band, with an average age which made them too young to vote, drew over 2000 punters, with structural damage closing the stage shortly afterwards for repairs.
Two years later, and the band is preparing for a busy summer. A return to Bloodstock is booked, this time on the Sophie Stage, but even more importantly, the band release their sophomore album “Rise of the Lifeless” ahead of that show. With a revised line-up since that 2021 performance the question is whether the momentum the band built is maintained on their new release.
Overall, the answer is a yes. There remains the Sylosis and Trivium influences that were present on “In Desperation’s Grip” and of course, it’s more frenetic thrash metal. But the band have understandably matured, as one would expect at their stage in life. The songs are more structured, the playing improved. As the intro of ‘An Empire Condemned’ segues into the title track, the pace kicks in. It’s a track that demonstrates their progress. We have shredding leads; the drumming is more focused, and Jacob Parkinson has honed his vocal style. No doubt spending time with such luminaries as Xentrix, Evile and Divine Chaos has rubbed off in the right way.
The vocals are still going to be an acquired taste, but they certainly work for me. Strangulated roars, guttural howls and a generally raw delivery are all part of the package. One of the most noticeable elements of Rise of the Lifeless is the quality of the drumming. Joe Parkinson has upped his game substantially, and his performance on the double kick really provides a concrete foundation throughout the album.
While the songs are more coherent and cohesive, the biggest challenge for me was maintaining the attention. There is an element of repetition as the album progresses, with the likes of ‘Virtual Death’ and ‘Global Threat’ following a very similar blueprint. It’s a minor gripe though, because when they hit the riffs on the likes of ‘Conflict of Interest’ there’s only a desire to race to the pit.
It would be remiss not to refer to the new boys. Billy Hourigan’s arrival on lead guitar has provided Tortured Demon with a razor-sharp cutting edge, one that has allowed Jacob the release needed to unleash those vocals. It also provides the band with the necessary equipment to release multiple screaming guitar solos that are vital on these rip-roaring tracks. Alongside Hourigan, bassist Sean Xavier, the old head in the band at 23, adds a stabilising element which sees him lock in tight with Joe in the engine room.
There is no respite here, just a nine-song barrage of relentless thrash that gets better as it progresses. ‘This War Will Come to You’ is one of the highlights of the album, a sprawling but visceral rager. While the punchy nature of the songs is generally welcome throughout the album, there is one beast lurking at the end. ‘The Damage is Done’ is a massive seven-minute track, and really nails its colours to the Trivium mast. Some clean backing vocals arrive, and they add a change to the frantic pace. A brief respite sees the band take the tempo right down, a gentle mid-section allowing the track to build again towards its conclusion. Yes, there are elements of Machine Head strewn across this song, but it works well.
So, two albums in, and the world is waiting for these songs to be played live. The challenge for Tortured Demon is that, as they get older, the novelty of being 13 and 14 has passed, and it’s their music that needs to dominate. So far, they’ve got where they are by hard work and concentration on their craft and Rise of the Lifeless is sure to get many a thrasher excited. It’s certainly a step in the right direction, and I for one, will be interested to see how they command a stage the size of the Sophie Lancaster this summer.
‘Rise of the Lifeless’ Official Video
TRACKLISTING
01. An Empire Condemned
02. Rise Of the Lifeless
03. Virtual Death
04. Global Threat
05. Disfavour
06. Conflict Of Interest
07. Erase Your Life
08. This War Will Come to You
09. Eyes In the Fire
10. The Damage Is Done
LINEUP:
Jacob Parkinson – Lead Vocals / Rhythm Guitar
Joe Parkinson – Drums
Billy Hourigan – Lead Guitar
Sean Xavier – Bass / Backing Vocals
LINKS:
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