The Torment

Description

The Torment is the full-length debut album by the British thrash metal band Seventh Angel, released in the UK on Under One Flag in 1990, a sub-label of Music For Nations, licensed from Edge Records. As well released in the US on StarSong Records. (The band did self-release a four-track cassette in early 1990 entitled Heed The Warning, produced and engineered by Paul Hodson.) The album was produced, recorded, and mixed by Paul Hodson (ex Magnum, ex Uriah Heep) at Mad Hat Studios in Wolverhampton, England; April 16 – May 11, 1990. Seventh Angel features Ian Arkley on vocals and guitar, Scott A. Rawson on rhythm guitar, Simon Bibby on bass, and Tank (a.k.a. Andrew Thompson) on drums.

There can be no doubt about it, this album is going to offend, shock, worry and disgust some people. But with many souls stolen from Satan’s camp already under their belts. Seventh Angel have made a name for themselves amongst Satan’s hordes if not amongst the Christian music industry. That of course is about to change. I would label this music as prophetic metal. And I prophesy that this album and this band are going to be big, very big. It’s already been picked up for mainstream distribution by Music for Nations. While some strum away with pseudo intellectual poetry or biblical verbosity, Seventh Angel smack you straight between the eyes and tell it as it is. The track that most typifies this is subtly titled «Dr Hatchet», a song which accuses those in the medical profession who perform abortions on innocent children of being cold blooded murderers. It is already causing much controversy amongst certain so-called Christian event organizers, and yet this track more than any other has that touch of Spirit born prophesy affirmed by the fruit already born in those who have heard it. My favourite track on the album is called «Katie». It is an anthem in the making which sparkles with a stereo acoustic guitar intro, followed by thick throbbing guitar that will please the ex-Sabbath fans amongst you. If I have any criticism to make, it would be Ian Arkley’s 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. Overall, though, I was very, very impressed by this recording, both for its music and its message. I would recommend it as a gift to any thrash metal fan you know who needs Jesus. [Brian Hoff, Cross Rhythms, September 1990]

CD tracklist:

01. Tormented Forever – 4:21
02. The Charmer – 7:16
03. Forbidden Desires – 3:43
04. I Of The Needle – 5:38
05. Expletive Deleted – 3:24
06. Dr. Hatchet – 6:04
07. Locked Up In Chains – 5:09
08. Acoustic Interlude – 0:39
09. Katie – 9:41
10. Epilogue – 1:48

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD. Re-issued on both CD and vinyl by Retroactive Records in 2018 as a part of their Legends Remastered series. (The CD reissue includes a 12-page booklet. The vinyl reissue includes a color insert with lyrics and full color custom center rings. 500 pressed.)

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