EP REVIEW: Resurgence – Torqued

Devon based three-piece TORQUED have clambered their way up that metaphorical ladder for the last couple of years and impressively sealed a slot on the Bloodstock Festival lineup in 2017, not by qualifying through the usual means of head to head battles in the Metal 2 The Masses heats but by being cordially invited by Simon Hall himself! This shows the calibre of band we are dealing with. The groove metal outfit are due to release their 2nd effort in the form of six track EP Resurgence which is due for release on July 29th. So let’s see what the fuss is about…

Forgotten Soul could be mistaken for being an excerpt from the DOOM soundtrack with its industrial vibe and building tension. The track kicks into gear with downtuned riffing and gritty vocals which display an aggressive, hammering quality. The lyrical content is sparse but effective as the three-piece let their instruments do the talking descending into a rather evil breakdown to close proceedings. Follow Me starts to inject a bit of pace and groove into the mix  with some addictive guitar work. The vocal transitioning between guttural growls and vicious screams topped off with an ominous sounding laugh as the track draws to a conclusion add a bit of extra intensity.

The melodic tinges seeping through the intro to Overload, I Die Inside are quite surprising in comparison to what has unfolded thus far but adding an extra string to your bow is never a bad thing. The optimistic vibe of the opening riffs feels like the track is going down the route of an IRON MAIDEN epic with the intricate guitar work leading the way until suddenly things take a dark turn with some groove ridden distortion. Flamboyant solo work takes hold as the track progresses and despite the track clocking in at just shy of seven minutes, it flies in as the captivating vocal passages maintain your focus. Hollow Core comes charging in like a bull in a china shop with its steady but energetic shredding. The syncopated riffing brings some technical flair to the table as the scathing screams fire at you like a wave of bullets. Skilful drumming take the reins as the track shakes up the vibe with a melodic interlude before diving right back into the ferocity.

As an additional treat TORQUED provided live versions of Overload, I Die Inside and Hollow Core to give you a taste of what to expect from their stage performances and the intensity squeezed into the studio tracks spills out into the live setting. Their sound is crisp, concise and tight. Everything you would want to hear from a band after listening to their recordings.

For a band who have only been on the circuit a couple of years (amongst playing in other projects individually) TORQUED have hit the ground running and Resurgence is exactly the kind of release they needed in order to build on their efforts thus far. It may only be four tracks in length but they all pack a punch in their own way, displaying a variation of diversity rather than being a one trick pony. Their amalgamation of groovy hooks and aggression neatly balanced with melodic segments provides an intriguing prospect which will leave their listeners wanting more.

Rating: 7/10

Resurgence is set for release on July 29th via self-release.

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