ALBUM REVIEW: Snuff metal fury from Basement Torture Killings on There's Something About Beryl

SNUFF videos created panic in the 1980s with their alleged depiction of real life murders and depravity. Some extreme metal acts take that cue and feature tales of murder, often with violent misogynist leanings.

Many find this uncomfortable. The connotations are one thing; but are they a reflection of a band's real views? Or are they a cathartic release? And, crucially, do they influence fans' behaviour?

If horror movies and violent video games have failed to turn generations into car stealing drug barons with a penchant for shooting people using automatic weapons then it is unlikely that an extreme metal act - which is usually so far beyond the mainstream - is going to cause distress to Daily Mail readers. Well, we can only hope that Basement Torture Killings manage to as it would create a sales surge.

The latest incarnation of Basement Torture Killings is 'There's Something About Beryl' featuring the new singer who is called...Beryl.

A total of 11-tracks of putrid pleasure, with the stench of rotting bodies, the aroma of deviant chambers wrapped up in delicious death metal depravity.

With track titles such as 'Shit Carcass' and 'Abduction Torture Snuff Porn' you know that (1) Ed Sheeran fans won't be checking this out on Spotify and (2) this is what Basement Torture Killings do best.

Except, this time there are a few twists and turns. Death/grind will always be at the core of what BTK do, but Tarquin and company do this time is ever so slightly introduce some wrinkles with added dashes of thrash and some blackened death.

This is not some attempt to widen the fanbase. This is taking the vicious attack and adding a few deft knife thrusts and bringing the touch of the scalpel (on soft, yielding flesh...) to the sound.

Certainly Beryl's addition adds a dimension to the vocal department, allowing Tarquin to flow more freely.

Given that 'There's Something About Beryl' is released by Northern Ireland's Grindscene Records it is perhaps appropriate that there is a cover of one of Northern Ireland's own bands songs. The BKT take on Therapy?'s 'Knives' adds to the disturbed menace of the original through even more menace.

Existing fans of BKT will no doubt be happy with this release, but we have a feeling that this might reach out to some more, willing to explore their dark side. And, if some idiot thinks they want to re-enact the songs content, may we suggest you see a shrink first...

The rest of us will wallow in the deviancy happily.

Review by Jonathan Traynor

LIVE REVIEW: Hateful violence that was such fun with Stand With Heretics, Basement Torture Killings and Abaddon Incarnate

SOMETIMES the most deathly of deathly things are funny as fuck. But it only works if the performers play their odes of gore with a straight face. And, they are serious about what they are doing...

Which is a prelude to our ruminations and reflections of a night of pure unadulterated metal delivered courtesy of Grindscene Records in Belfast's Warzone Centre.

Opening up proceedings, Stand With Heretics brought the ferocity to the event with an almost unique blending of early Pantera and death metal.

While the influences of Dimebage and Alsemo were clear the more deathly elements of the likes of early Decapitated edging in amongst the groove to the edginess. Nice opening to the evening from Downpatrick's Stand With Heretics.

There is such a thing as putting on a show...yes, we know a lot of bands tend to forget that. Not so Basement Torture Killings.

From down-to-earth guys beforehand to ominous-looking serial killer looks BTK came on with attitude. Styling a Butcher's smock? Check. Evil doctor? Check. Blood soaked shirt? Check.

On one level the band could be seen as a dark comedy act with the outfits and songs such as 'Severed Head Fellatio' it could be seen that their brand of murder metal is a pastiche of silliness.

It would all fall apart if the music was shit; but it isn't. It's as precise as a scalpel cutting into flesh; from the rhythm through to searing leads and growls that would have Satan cowering in the corner in fear.

Dublin's Abaddon Incarnate rounded up the evening with a ferocious set that shows not only their experience but their ongoing development and poise.

The twin guitars work with delicious deathly attack, full of fight and filled with some delicious riffage and solos.

There was a real sense of purpose about Abaddon Incarnate. No matter the setting they seem to the rises up to any challenge. We really are now looking forward to their set at Monsters of Rot V in August.

Grindscene and Pete are to be congratulated for bringing the Pessimist Tour to Belfast - it was enjoyable in the darkest of senses!

Review by Jonny

 

Four days of fear, loathing and loudness...

FOR those tender souls who sit in their houses consumed by the mind-numbing outpourings on television...all of us should take a moment to reflect on their blighted existence, an existence cursed by brains befogged by the puss oozing from the maggot-ridden so-called entertainers' and the zombie-like pronouncements of politicians peddling their pre-election promises.


We shall pity them as we get set for four days of the best extreme metal and hard rock can throw in our willing faces and aural tracts - there's even a double-header of tribute acts included .


Now, when you think tweed and wooly jumpers the word association with death metal, even less so murder metal does not immediately spring to mind. But should you meander your way along to the Warzone Centre tonight (Thursday 9th April) you could find that word association fits.


Playing alongside headliners Abaddon Incarnate are Basement Torture Killings, a band not renowned for power ballads - unless it is a power tool being brought down on human flesh and the ballad is played at 100mph.

With song titles like 'Gore Bukkake' and 'Severed Head Fellatio' you can imagine that One Direction will not be bidding to do a cover version of a BTK track - although they could try 'Cut, Drained and Disposed'...


Abaddon Incarnate are headlining the show making it a perfect chance to check out the Dublin grindcore crew before their appearance at Monsters of Rot V.


Opening the proceedings for this Grindscene Records presentation are Stand With Heretics. Oh Daith,  who were originally scheduled to play have withdrawn, and at the time of writing no replacement had been announced. But with three bands of this caliber for a measly five of your pounds sterling what else are you going to do on a Thursday night?


If Thursday night is the unofficial start to the weekend, then Friday night is when it properly kicks off.


And in the middle of a three-band line-up is another act not averse to horror, the tribute act Alike Cooper, who will be bringing Vincent Furnier's alter ego's nightmares to Limelight1.


Opening the proceedings will be Maverick, fresh from taking on the metal at Siege of Limerick and winning!


Headliners, Hotter Than Hell will be bringing their fire and brimstone take on Kiss to the stage - a worthy way to end Friday. Tickets are £12 and available at the door for this Distortion Project presentation.


James' Distortion Project never sits still. On Saturday there will once more be a convening of the loyal at Limelight2 for Mr Loveday's regular 5-9 slot. This time Swedish doomsters Void Moon are topping the bill.


Support comes with added groove in the shape of Baleful Creed and NWOBHM stylings courtesy of Terminus (NI). Part with £6 and entry shall be permitted...


If by the end of Saturday night you feel exhausted you may get well rested for Sunday at the Voodoo.


Because you better be ready to perform the 'Crabulon'! Yes in another Distortion Project presentation Evil Scarecrow will be bringing their own flavor or metal madness to Belfast. And, we should all remember that no matter what flavor of rock/metal it is, you do not need permission to have fun.


Opening proceedings are thrashers Wardomized and dark metal from Katabolisis. To enter this feast of fun you'll have to part with £10.