Thrash Assault

This is one sick demo. I was expecting a collection of horribly produced background noises. Instead, materials presented on this first effort are surprisingly, if not mildly, enjoyable to say the least.

Tormentor plays mid-paced thrash metal with melodic solos aplenty. What’s even more interesting is that, the solos are highly reminiscent of classic Malay rock songs from the glorious days of the 80s. This is not balls-out thrash ‘Bonded by Blood’ style but it is packed full of memorable moments. There are plenty of tremolo pickings that are played at appropriate places. Check out that beautiful tapping around 01:53 into ‘Thrash Assault’. Short and sweet. Another good thing is each band member does not overpower each other. The bass is slightly audible. Drums are generally played with proficiency although there are times where you can hear the drummer struggles with one or two fills here and there. Don’t expect lengthy galloping double bass though. The vocalist sounds great behind the mic and his singing does follow the rhythm very well.

Tormentor delivers a solid performance.. ‘Fight or Die’ and the title track are two of the best tracks on this demo thanks to its unforgettable riff and melodic leads. Man, I tell you what, I haven’t heard anything this good when it comes to thrash metal that hails from this side of the world. Most of the so-called thrash bands here are either Suicidal Tendencies-rip-off or Bestial Warlust wannabes. Tormentor is however a unique breed that combines Iron Maiden’s melodicism played at the speed of ‘Chemical Warfare’ with lyrics that could have been unmistakably written by Wagner Antichrist of the great Sarcofago.

Although I haven’t heard the original song, Rocking Metalkoholic Demon is the least of my favorite, an afterthought of sort. Tormentor’s first three original tracks are way better than the cover song. The lyrics are laughable though. These guys can’t even write in English properly. Most of the times, I am lost trying to follow what they are trying to convey. It takes a couple of reads before the messages become clear. The band attempts to write lyrics that rhyme nicely but the eventual results are horrendous.

This is a very commendable debut with clean production. Each song except for the cover track is highly memorable. It sounds as if this demo was produced in the early 90s because it has that nostalgic vibe to it thanks to the free-flowing melody. Tormentor should hone their skills further to write better, great tracks in the future. Not recommended for those who like their thrash metal fast and brutal. For casual listeners however, you may find a few things to enjoy from this demo.