TOR MARROCK - Destroy The Soul
March 17, 2014, 10 years ago
(Black Vulture Records)
After a six year absence, Welsh gothic/death metal band TOR MARROCK return with its sophomore release, Destroy The Soul. The band is shrouded in an air of mystery as the trio perform in ancient warrior masks to hide their identity.The band’s influences stem from some of the most prolific goth-metal bands in existence, such as TIAMAT, MOONSPELL, MY DYING BRIDE, PARADISE LOST and even early-era SENTENCED. Tor Marrock’s ominous atmospheres, ethereal soundscapes, simplistic riffs and calculated rhythms are well-executed on its eight tracks. Doom and black metal elements often creep into the band’s sound, most notably on the haunting ‘The Night Always Ends’ and ‘The Harbouring Of Suicidal Thoughts.’ Thankfully, there are no keyboards, just guitar-driven melodies and atmospheres. The diverse vocals of the band’s namesake, Tor Marrock, has a plethora of vocal ranges; from raspy shouts to creepy whispers to melodic cleans to deathy growls. The warm and robust production boasts a sharp and succinct guitar tone. The band is the strongest on the slower, more powerful parts, which consist of methodical, militaristic funeral dirge marches. However, some songs plod along at a snail’s pace and become a bit boring. But even these few missteps don’t alter the album’s overall intrigue factor, as every track has its own individuality.
