Torch Runner -Committed To The Ground
Torch Runner from Greensboro, North Carolina, have recently been signed by the awesome metal label Southern Lord Records, who are releasing a CD version of their debut album Committed To The Ground, that was previously only available on vinyl. Torch Runner straddle metal, hardcore and punk, and create a full-on sledgehammer like sound. This very tight three piece of guitar, bass and drums was formed in 2007, and this feels like a breakthrough moment.
The album opens with Current, only 45 seconds long, and filled with astonishing blast beats, and incendiary vocals and guitar. It sets the scene for the almost unrelenting musical assault to follow.
Pulpit Plague in contrast has flashes of melody coupled with some lacerating hardcore guitar work, and provides a degree of musical respite from the onslaught. As do the spooky spoken word samples, dotted throughout the record. They sound as if they are taken from old B movies, and heighten the atmosphere of foreboding which permeates this album. A very original touch.
The Holy Are Broken has a great doom feel with a massive Sabbath like riff, and desperately growled vocals. Clocking in at over 4 minutes, it's one of the lengthier tracks. The album closer Vestige, ensures the album ends explosively. It's very punky and the sort of thing that the Dead Kennedy's would be proud to have written, though with Torch Runner's own unique stamp on it.
Well deserving of a Room Thirteen score of 12. A pretty much flawless album! Can't wait to hear their new material.