TOURNIQUET - Onward to Freedom review

 

TOURNIQUET - Onward to Freedom

Pathogenic Records

http://www.tourniquet.net/index.html

The new album of TOURNIQUET is entirely written by Ted Kirkpatrick the drummer of the band. This is a concept album and it expresses the agony of its creator about the animal cruelty and injustice. In my opinion this is a very interesting concept and of great importance and no matter if you agree or disagree with its creator at least it will make you think. Also in this album you will find many guest appearances like:   Guest vocals: Michael Sweet (STRYPER), Dug Pinnick (KING’S X, KXM), Mattie Montgomery (FOR TODAY), Gabbie Rae, Kevin Young (DISCIPLE), Blake Suddath (YOUR MEMORIAL), Nick Villars (SLEEP STAR IGNITION), Luke Easter (TOURNIQUET).

Guest lead guitars: Marty Friedman, Chris Poland, Michael Sweet (STRYPER), Bruce Franklin (TROUBLE), Rex Carroll (WHITECROSS), Tony Palacios (GUARDIAN), Aaron Guerra (TOURNIQUET).

Guest narrations: Ed Asner (legendary Hollywood actor and seven time Emmy Award winner), Ashley Argota (Disney Channel TV star).

THE COVER: A raven holding an amulet on its beak and beside it a grey and misty forest. A beautiful, dark and imposing image that fits the concept of the album.

MUSICAL STYLE: TOURNIQUET exists for so many years and through them they have evolved and changed their sound. The core of their music though always was speed/thrash metal. In this release the sound is close to the sound they introduced us to with their masterpiece under the title “Microscopic View of a Telescopic Realm” which in a few words is melodic speed/thrash metal with lots of technical elements and progressive metal structures.

COMPOSITIONS: The album includes 12 compositions in the well known style of TOURNIQUET that I have described to you above. This time though they use more harsh vocals and this is done probably because of the concept of the album. The compositions might be typical of the latest style of TOURNIQUET, but somehow didn’t manage to move me as their previous releases. I’m sorry to say that, but the compositions are not memorable. I have listened to them quite easily, but I can’t say it created in me the need to listen to them again.   

CONCLUSION: Bands like TOURNIQUET which have a long existence in the metal scene and so many releases it is natural to release albums which some of them we like and others not so much. Also this is more something like a project and a way for Ted Kirkpatrick to express his anxiety for animal rights. I respect that, but as a fan of the band I don’t consider it as one of their best moments musically. So, try to check it out and make up your mind.

Nick “Verkaim” Parastatidis