TOURNIQUET

"Where Moth And Rust Destroy"
(Metal Blade Records)

Tourniquet have been making waves in the metal scene for over a decade, but I have to admit this is my first taste of them. Slayer meets Sabbath is the best way I can think of to describe them. In fact, if there ever was a band that could be named successors to Slayer, I think it would be Tourniquet! This album really shreds, and the band play very well, their sound a modern metal style mixed with the classic, old school thrash sound, that thrashes at high speed, but also sounds dark and dirge-y, a la Sabbath. The most "Sabbath" song on the album is the closing track, "In Death We Rise". The album opens with the title cut, which begins like "War Pigs" meets "Seasons In The Abyss", then kicks into gear, becoming a full throttle, Slayer-esque tune. The rest of the album continues in this vein. There are also some folk elements thrown in on a few songs, including some violin work by guest fiddler, Dave Bullock. There are also a couple of other well known guest musicians on the album, those being guitarists Bruce Franklin and Marty Friedman (ex-Megadeth), who play all the leads and solos. They of course do a brilliant job, but that raises some questions about the band-would they sounds as good without their "guest stars"? Tourniquet is a trio consisting of singer Luke Easter, bassist Steve Andino, and drummer/guitarist/multi instrumentalist Ted Kirkpatrick. I've never heard any of the band's other music (readers, please forgive my lack of knowledge when it comes to this band), so I can't say for sure if they would fare as well without the help of famous guitarists. Still, one must give them the benefit of a doubt. (and the HAVE been going for over ten years, after all, and have carved a niche for themselves in the metal world so I may be being a little quick to judge here) They are talented musicians and the songs are excellently written (all by Kirkpatrick) with some intelligent lyrics. The album was produced by Bill Metoyer, and he has done a great job as always. As I said, I haven't heard any of the band's other music, so I can't compare this to their previous releases, but it is an excellent album nonetheless, and is quite possibly a pinnacle in Tourniquet's career. Like I stated earlier, these guys have what it takes to be the next Slayer! (Aside from the fact that they are Christians) Where the moth and rust leave off, Tourniquet continue to destroy! http://www.tourniquet.net http://www.metalblade.com

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