Review by Iron Mike
- https://tormentmn.bandcamp.com
- Release Date: 01/2/2025
- Tags: death metal, beatdown, extreme metal, Duluth,
Setup
Hailing from the icy shores of Lake Superior, Torment brings a fiery intensity you might expect with the self-descriptors of death metal and beatdown. The Pain is their latest release having dropped just after New Years Day 2025.
From beginning to end, this EP weaves deftly back and forth between angry hardcore/beatdown and a few variations of death metal. At some points reminiscent of the old NYHC scene then immediately snapping your neck with a violent change of direction into various death metal realms.
Fresh Meat
From the deathly beginnings of I Am The Problem this EP immediately lets you know this is no happy place. The song veers into blackened-death adjacent territory before yanking into beatdown bridges and violent, hammering death metal. Guitars and bass are thick and precise, encased in violent drumming characterized with a sharp, cracking snare drum. Vocals ripping across the top set the scene for a violent ride. However, if you’re looking for puppies, cotton candy and smiling faces, this ain’t for you.
After multiple listens, Die Alone and Pain rise to the top for me.
Die Alone, the 4th track on this one, lands at a cutting 2:58 seconds. The song launches with what can only be described as a catchy death metal groove that rapidly gives way to hammering violence. At some points cruising along modestly, at others accelerating into speed metal territory. By the time you’re at 2:59 seconds, several riffs have ripped past and left their mark on your mind.
Pain begins with an angry, machine-like riff that evolves into rapid fire drumming and spiraling string work. The screaming/shrieking vocals are absolutely relentless on this one. Unfortunately, it’s over 2 minutes and 17 seconds after it starts.
The Kill
Torment is another example of how the brutal Minnesota winters forge virulent extreme metal bands. I bet their live set feels like the sonic equivalent of getting unexpectedly kicked in the face with a spiked combat boot; these guys get in, get it done and get out fast.
For those who live for the negatives: At roughly 15 minutes, this 5-song offering is over way too fast. Just as you find yourself really digging it, it’s over. Another (very minor) gripe is the band name. With 11ty billion metal bands on the planet these days, finding a unique band name isn’t easy. Unfortunately, the name “Torment” falls on the generic side. These guys are clearly very creative, talented and write great music – stopping short of a unique name is sort of selling themselves short. And a quick look at www.metal-archives.com shows no less than 35 bands called Torment – and this isn’t one of them. However, it is an apt descriptor for their musical output.
Final Thoughts
If you’re having a bad day or need to just vent some stress, this release is your friend. Turn it on, crank the volume, scream along with lyrics and get it all out. If there’s an EP out there worthy of the “Rage Therapy” tag, this one is it.