Despite the occasional foray, this latest dish of crunchy nastiness, dizzying speed and knotty hooks finds Torn to shreds perfecting a formula that seeks the progression of their signature style, without muddying the waters with bold attempts at innovation. Few modern artists can achieve the retro aesthetic and rancid, meaty charm Torn to shreds without leaning too heavily on derivation or tired recycling of old ideas. Torn to shreds he sounds reinvigorated and full of punk aggression, grit and songwriting talent. The roots of Torn to shreds the sound features the classic vibes of bustling Stockholm and swampy Florida scenes of yesteryear. Add a good dose of Presto Pestilence and vintage grindcore influences, think Prime Terroristand a bit of flashy melodic shredding, and you’ve got a recipe for awesomeness.
Overall, the grind influence is more pronounced, dishing out some of the band’s nastiest work to date, balanced by the increasingly noteworthy use of idiosyncratic melodic leads and solos. Lee’s vocal compromise and his bandmates’ backing efforts work wonders, mixing nasty guttural grunts and higher-pitched explosions with anguished Van Drunen-isms and all sorts of rousing variations. Sanshi opens ambitiously, launching a six-minute-plus behemoth courtesy of the multifaceted “Into the Court of Yanluowang.” Length is not an issue thanks to propulsive energy, structural changes and an action-packed blend of death, grind and thrashy melodeath influences, which touch some Horrible vibrations. Punky grind meets the death punch of “燒冥紙 (Sacrificial Fire),” with swaggering grooves and melodic guitar embellishments in a violent tornado. Torn to shreds he expertly balances his sharper melodic tendencies and production values with his wild, abrasive instincts. Balance is the key to much of Sanshi’success. The album’s diverse compositional palette is showcased through in-your-face grooves that collide with riff-driven thrashy death (“冥婚 Corpse Betrothal”), tight, flamboyant numbers (“Force Fed,” “Perverting the Funeral Rites, Stripping for the Dead”), and brutal beatdowns punctuated by heroic solos (“殭屍復活 [Horrendous Corpse Resurrection]”, “Cultivating towards Ascension”).
Lee’s skills as a composer architect, skilled ax thrower and lead singer are well established, however, there is an argument that Lee is truly emerging with a full lineup of like-minded souls. The whole band fires on all levels, the material is fueled by surprising rhythms, technical precision and gritty, but undoubtedly infectious songwriting. Brian Do’s sick and explosive drum performance is worth noting, while the addition of second guitarist Michael Chavez proves to be a masterstroke, adding firepower, showmanship and a powerful double-axe dynamic to the formula, emphasized through a series of extraordinary solos and memorable, touching riffs on thrash, death, melodeath and grind influences. I could use a little more fuzz and grime on the guitar tone, and the kick drum is a little snappy, otherwise the production adds sharp edges and punchy, crisp tones to complement the album’s more raw appeal.
Torn to shreds remain consistently solid as ever with this latest work. Sanshi takes the ingredients that worked so effectively Torn to shreds so far and ups the ante to reveal some of their most powerful and impressive work to date. Lee’s songwriting skills are reaching increasingly esteemed heights, and the band’s expertise in wielding speed, melody, abrasiveness, crackling grooves and catchy songwriting is of the highest caliber. Everything is fine Torn to shreds the album delivered quality, teetering on the precipice of greatness. Sanshi keeps the trend consistent, even as it takes it a step further and showcases the Torn to shreds giant operating in full form.
Assessment: 4.0/5.0
DR: N/A | Format reviewed: Smelly stream
Label: Record of relapse
Websites: rippedtoshredsdeathmetal.bandcamp.com | facebook.com/rippedtoshredsband
Releases worldwide: September 27, 2024
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