Severe Torture – Fall Of The Despised
Earache Records – 2005
By Russell Garwood
Severe Torture have been banned from playing in Switzerland due to ‘perverse, disgusting and very offensive’ artwork. In case this (and the name) hasn’t given it away to you yet, the Dutch quartet in question play death metal. Unlike their previous works, however, this isn’t all-blasting, paint-stripping, guttural-growling brutal death.
Fall Of The Despised sees some variation in the song-writing, with slower sections, the introduction of higher-pitched rasps as well as guttural growls, and a generally more eclectic approach. That isn’t to say it’s going to win any prizes for originality, as it’s about as unusual as an emo kid crying.
Tight guitar work holds some melody, but doesn’t shy away from dense riffage, memorable solos and sharp rhythm work. The bass is powerful, and drums well performed, with a lesser reliance on blasting than previous works. The vocals are also well executed, with a range of growls keeping everything interesting. Well structured songs and high quality production are also a plus, but nothing can make you ignore the fact this is all familiar. So, if you’re after something fresh and unusual this will make you - much like a cartoon satirist in Denmark – decidedly unhappy. If you want some solid death metal however, look no further.
5.5/10
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Official Earache website
Official Severe Torture website
