Album Review: Severe Torture – Torn from the Jaws of Death (Season of Mist)

For over 25 years, Severe Torture has embodied the ethos of Brutal. Death. Metal. A genre-defining titan, they’ve held a commanding presence in the metal universe since 1997, blending intense performances with a relentless commitment to their visceral, raw sound.

Now, in 2024, Severe Torture is set to escalate to new heights of sonic savagery with their sixth full-length album, ‘Torn from the Jaws of Death’. Out on June 7th, 2024, via Season of Mist.

A band that needs little introduction, but a band that hasn’t been given the same level of respect that many of other death metal legends enjoy. Severe Torture haven’t just been creating death metal for a long time, they’ve been creating exceptionally strong death metal for a long time.

A consistency that continues with Torn from the Jaws of Death and the ten tracks that make up its gargantuan heavy sound. From the moment The Death of Everything arrives, Severe Torture are living up to their name with their brash and brutal old-school death focus and speed. Few bands are capable of creating mental welts as quickly as Severe Torture, and that’s just the start of the suffering.

There’s no let-up (who would want any!?) as Marked by Blood and Darkness, Hogtied in Rope, the title track, and Christ Immersion keep the heavy rolling on. Courtesy of chainsaw riffing, bone-breaking percussion, and throaty vocal roars. Whereas many bands of this ilk often create a level of desensitization, the manic abilities of Severe Torture constantly find fresh and interesting ways to deliver ruthlessness. Peel back the layers of this onion, and you’ll find so much more.

It’s why the second half of the album holds as much power as the first. Power that comes with unrelenting force from the abusive guitar/drum combo of Putrid Remains. Power that comes from the antagonistic The Pinnacle of Suffering, and power that comes from Through Pain and Emptiness’ violent speed and screaming guitar solo. Track after track of the finest death metal going.

Leading to one of the most frantic tracks of all, Those Who Wished Me Dead. A track that can be simply summed up as chaos personified, and a track with zero nuance. It’s simply about being as fast and heavy as possible in a short amount of time.

Something that is balanced out by the richly detailed and robust force of the finale of Tear All the Flesh Off the Earth. An ending that will have you bent over double, wheezing and crying from the exertion and pain that Severe Torture have delivered. Give this band the respect they deserve, they have more than earned it.

Severe Torture – Torn from the Jaws of Death Track Listing:

1. The Death Of Everything
2. Marked By Blood And Darkness
3. Hogtied In Rope
4. Torn From The Jaws Of Death
5. Christ Immersion
6. Putrid Remains
7. The Pinnacle Of Suffering
8. Through Pain And Emptiness
9. Those Who Wished Me Dead
10. Tear All The Flesh Off The Earth

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