Torture Killer – Dead Inside

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TORTURE KILLER hailing from Turku, Finland were formed in 2002. The Death Metal band initially started as SIX FEET UNDER tribute and released so far four full-length albums, one split, and “Dead Inside” is their second EP. The EP was recorded at Astia Studio and Studio JJ and mastered at Virtalähde Mastering. Taneli Hatakka did the mixing. “Dead Inside” has a length of more than 11 minutes and it was released via Finnish label The Other Records, which is specialized for Death and Black Metal, and Grindcore.

It took TORTURE KILLER almost 10 years to release at least a bit of new music as the last full-length album “Phobia” was released in 2013. The reasons might be manifold, however, the line-up remained stable during the last 10 years. In fact, the latest change in TORTURE KILLER dates to 2011, when Pessi Haltsonen took over the vocal duties. As “Dead Inside” only consists of three new songs with a playing time of barely 11 minutes, one could assume that this EP is only a teaser for something more.

The EP starts with the title song and with tight and catchy riffing at mid-tempo. Not a lot has changed over the years, the growling vocals still remind on Chris Barnes and the sound is within the framework what Death Metal fans know from SIX FEET UNDER releases of the past. The song is cool though, with the guitar riffing and the lead guitar parts providing a grim atmosphere and the aggression being just at the right level to make it a good opener. “Dead Inside” was uploaded on YouTube with the link given below.

“The Omen” is a piano and synthesizer driven, atmosphere building inter-lude, before the final song “Iniquity” brings back the Death Metal onslaught. It is a nice head-banger during the opening two minutes, before there is change in tempo and sound. There are short parts in slightly faster tempo with slight traces of epic melodies. Highlight of the track is the contributing lead guitar solo.

TORTURE KILLER are back on the Death Metal landscape. “Dead Inside” is the first sign of life of a band that should be aiming for more. Perhaps they do and TORTURE KILLER will follow-up with a full-length album in foreseeable future. “Dead Inside” is that what could be expected from the band. The two new songs (not counting the inter-lude) are both mid-tempo bangers with groove elements. Does TORTURE KILLER offer something new after 10 years? I am not so sure about that one. They offer a solid traditional Death Metal sound, not more, but not less. Fans of classical mid-tempo, groove-laden Death Metal will be happy about the news and hope for a full-length album.

Songwriting: 7
Musicianship: 7
Memorability: 7
Production: 8