One night I was searching for music over the Internet from of a list I had made of new releases that I had copied and pasted from various labels.  In this process I usually make sure to listen to as many sound samples or MP3’s as possible for the reason that I want to give the band a chance, but I don’t want to get burned by hearing the best song put up in the media section to sell an album.  What I recollect about that night is that everything I heard was complete trash except for a song I had heard off of Abysmal Torment’s EP ‘Incised Wound Suicide.’  Being cynical I told myself that maybe it sounded fucking good cause everything else was crap, but I ordered the disc anyway.  When it arrived I found it justly encompassed the meaning of the word brutal from the insane fretwork to the massive breakdowns.  I wanted more and I was happy as a pederast at a nursery school when they put out their first full length LP called ‘Epoch of Methodic Carnage.’

Putting on my earphones to listen to ‘Epoch of Methodic Carnage’ fills me with adrenaline induced trepidation that reminds me of the moments right before a fight that is going to be a knock down unrepentant fierce affair of fists meeting skulls, ribs, and guts.  Right from the start Abysmal Torment is a machine gunner firing a barrage from an astutely located loft position upon scurrying soldiers below.  The guitars are faster than fast with glowering riffs that tear in a mayhem controlled by technicality in frequent time changes, and vigorous chord progressions.  The drumming on this CD is spectacular what with crazy fills, blast beats, timbering rolls, and all out speed that is heard most notably with the snare and cymbals.  The bass is thicker than John Holmes in an 18-year-old midget as it holds the rhythmic pace with the same remorselessness as my boot heel against the Popes throat.  Vocally the listener is pummeled by a double vocal attack of deep monster barks backed by a sinister “ree-ing” sound.  Actually, everything about Abysmal Torment is violent and this fact is made truly evident by chromatic breakdowns that exist in almost every song.  This structure gives the keen fan the chance to take a breath and head-bang, but when the song hooks back into its main riffage the listener can sit back in twisted wonder at how many signature changes are fitted into each 30 second frame, which is enhanced by a precision that belies the overall brutality of the upfront sound found on ‘Epoch of Methodic Carnage.’

In listening to Abysmal Torment evident contrasts are easily recognized between them and bands like Brodequin, Disgorge, and Cinerary.  They also have a technicality that is a cross between Dying Fetus, Decrepit Birth, Beheaded, and a squealing guitar sound that reminds me of Lust of Decay.  Sure they chug a bit in the breakdowns but from my perspective that style adds to the overall groove thereby showcasing the band when they absolutely shine in the fast sections of songs.  Besides, Abysmal Torment does not rely on the one-dimensional slow chugging riffing with patented hyperactive double bass, as do many bands of the slamming Death Metal ilk.  Yeah, with Abysmal Torment the listener can imbibe virtually all the elements that make Broootal Death Metal heavier than a castration with a hacksaw.

If you want savagery, if you want ferocity, if you want unadulterated cruelty then get off your ass and order this disc.  And if you need inspiration to buy beyond what I have written then have your buddy punch out your front teeth.  Then with bleeding gashes in your gums reach with a quivering hand for your fucking credit card and order this album.  NOW!!!!

By Mike Lidia