### Severe Torture: Sworn vengeance

#### 27/01/12 || BamaHammer

Recently, I discovered Severe Torture just by seeing Cannibal Corpse’s Alex Webster in one of their t-shirts, and I even reviewed 2005’s “Fall of the despised.” What impressed me the most about that album was, first of all, the production, and then of course the sheer groove that could be found in each track. After digging that album so much, I decided to give 2007’s “Sworn vengeance” a shot.

The first thing that struck me was, of course, the production. While Hans Pieters did is a magnificent job on “Despised,” this album just sounds a bit less organic and interesting. The bass, which was so bold and recognizable, had become a bit lifeless and stagnant. The guitars have a more of a raw edge to them on this album, which is both good and bad. The good thing is that it adds to the overall aggression of the music, but the bad thing is that it makes the riffs too anonymous.

The slightly disappointing production primarily means that the music will have to carry the album all on its own merit, and the good thing is that it does for the most part. The record’s vocals sound excellent and perhaps superior to its predecessor. Schreuers deep growl has some serious guts, and the Van Drunenian shreik from the last album has a touch more originality to it.

There are some really catchy moments on here. The opening of the opener, “Dismal Perception,” is probably the best sounding moment from the entire album. the bass pops and bounces loud and proud, and the drumming and the guitars are amazingly tight and sound great alongside each other. the next track, “Serenity torn asunder,” is a classic catchy combination of technicality and groove that I always enjoy.

The one drawback to this album is that it is, in my opinion, too front-loaded. It always seems like I can put this album on and totally enjoy it for 20-25 minutes or so, but then I slowly begin to realize that the songs at the end of the album are a bit sub-par, and I start to get bored with it. Sometimes I’ll even start the disc over just to hear the first half of the album again and again.

Now, don’t get me wrong. When this album is good, it’s terrific. When it’s not, it’s mediocre. The good news, though, is that there are more good moments than bad moments. If you like death metal that is technical, brutal, and groovy, then you’ll enjoy this. It’s got more than enough infectiously groovy tunes with interesting guitar solos and brutal vocal parts to keep you happy. This is a good band that deserves at least some of your attention.

- Information
- Released: 2007
- Label: Earache
- Website: www.severetorture.com
- Band
- Dennis Schreurs: vocals
- Marvin Vriesde: guitars
- Thijs Van Laarhoven: guitars
- Patrick Boleij: bass
- Seth Van De Loo: drums

- Tracklist
- 01. Dismal perception
- 02. Serenity torn asunder
- 03. Fight something
- 04. Repeat offender
- 05. Countless villains
- 06. Dogmasomatic nausea
- 07. Redefined identity
- 08. Buried hatchet
- 09. Sworn vengeance
- 10. Submerged in grief