The Torment

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The Torment
Seventh Angel - The Torment.jpg
Studio album by
Seventh Angel
Released1990
RecordedRecorded and mixed 16 April 1990–11 May 1990
StudioMad Hat Studios in Wolverhampton, England
GenreChristian metal, thrash metal
Length47:56
LabelEdge Records, Under One Flag (Music for Nations), Retroactive Records
ProducerPaul Hodson
Seventh Angel chronology
Heed the Warning
(1990) 		The Torment
(1990) 		Lament for the Weary
(1992)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Cross Rhythms8/10 stars[1]

The Torment is the debut studio album by the British Christian thrash metal band Seventh Angel, released on the Music for Nations label in 1990. The album established the band as "one of England's leading thrash metal bands" by The Daily Telegraph.[2] In 2010, HM Magazine ranked it number 51 on the Top 100 Christian Metal Albums of All Time list.[3]

Recording[]

After signing with Under One Flag, a subsidiary label of Music for Nations, Seventh Angel recorded the debut at Mad Hat Studios, Wolverhampton, with producer Paul Hodson. The cover art was done by Rodney Matthews. The album features plenty of tempo changes, progressive elements and considerable amount of deathrash leanings. Several songs from two of Seventh Angel's three demos were re-recorded for The Torment.

Reception[]

In a review published on 1 September 1990, Brian Hoff of Cross Rhythms magazine gave the album 8 points out of 10, stating that he was particularly impressed by the music and lyrics. Hoff wrote that, "There can be no doubt about it, this album is going to offend, shock, worry and disgust some people." In reference to the lyrics, he promised they would, "...smack you straight between the eyes and tell it as it is."

For example, "Dr. Hatchet" is a song which accuses those in the medical profession who perform abortions of being cold-blooded murderers. According to Hoff, the song caused "much controversy amongst certain so-called Christian event organizers." Musically, Hoff felt that the only thing that needed criticism was Ian Arkleys vocals: "These are excellent for the thrash numbers, but unlike his guitar work, lack the range, imagination and musicality to cope with a track like 'Katie' where some real vocal dexterity is called for, Ian sounds more like he's talking or doing a 'Make Way' chant than singing."[1] After the release, the British newspaper The Daily Telegraph wrote that Seventh Angel is one of England's leading Christian thrash metal bands.[4] The Torment achieved notable mainstream distribution.

Later, Ian Arkley has stated in interviews that he regrets the album's lyrics because he was "young and reckless" at the time he wrote them. Eventually, the lyrical style would become more subtle on the second album Lament for the Weary.

Tour[]

During the months following the album's release, the band played concerts in Dudley and Stourbridge, five times in Brierley Hill's The Rock Tavern club. In November 1990, Seventh Angel headlined the Metal Meltdown festival.

In February 1991, Seventh Angel appeared on BBC TV four times with video material recorded at the Metal Meltdown festival. "Forbidden Desires" was the selected song.

Track listing[]

No.TitleLyricsMusicLength
1."Tormented Forever[a]"Ian ArkleyArkley4:21
2."The Charmer"Simon Bibby
  • Arkley
  • Bibby
7:17
3."Forbidden Desires[b]"Bibby
  • Arkley
  • Scott A. Rawson
  • Bibby
3:45
4."I of the Needle[b]"Bibby
  • Arkley
  • Bibby
5:39
5."Expletive Deleted"ArkleyArkley3:25
6."Dr. Hatchet[a][c]"Arkley
  • Arkley
  • Bibby
6:04
7."Locked Up in Chains[c]"ArkleyArkley5:09
8."Acoustic Interlude" (Instrumental) Arkley0:42
9."Katie[a]"BibbyArkley9:44
10."Epilogue"BibbyArkley1:50
Total length:47:56
a live version appears on Heed the Warning: Live & Demo Recordings (2005)
b songs re-recorded from the Heed the Warning demo (1990)
c songs re-recorded from The Rehearsal Demo (1989)
2008 reissue bonus track
No.TitleLength
11."Lamentations (2008 Demo)[d]"7:55
Total length:55:51
d appears on the Demo Collection (2017)

Personnel[]

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b Hoff, Brian (1 September 1990). "Seventh Angel - The Torment". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved 19 December 2007.
  2. ^ Sammons, Greg (31 July 2006). "Seventh Angel - Heed the Warning Demo Recordings". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved 19 December 2007.
  3. ^ Van Pelt, Doug (2010). "Top 100 Christian Metal Albums of All Time" (PDF). HM Magazine. August.
  4. ^ Bolton, Nick. The Torment (albumin sivuviitteet). Retroactive Records. 2006.

External links[]

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