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Torchbearer > Warnaments > Reviews
Torchbearer - Warnaments

Stunning - 90%

Mikesn, January 23rd, 2007

So you've just discovered a band who likes to write concept albums. Concept albums outlining historical events which include the black plague and epic World War I battles. Surely said band must be of the power metal variety, no? Well, actually...not this time. For the writers of Yersinia Pestis and Warnaments is Torchearer, a hybrid of Thrash, Death, and Black metal. Formed by the members of bands like Scar Symmetry, Unmoored, and Satariel in 2003, the multi genre encompassing band seems to have quite an interest in sharing age old history with the rest of the world, whether it be well known events such as the black plague, or more obscure events such as The Battle of Jutland which Torchbearer's 2006 release, Warnaments covers. And while I have not heard the band's debut album, if Warnaments is anything to judge by, the European extreme metal band should definitely be one to look out of in the future.

So I've mentioned that on Warnaments, Torchbearer puts together a hybrid of metal's heaviest, most extreme sub-genres: death metal, black metal, and thrash metal. But how much does this actually accomplish? Unsurprisingly, it works quite well. Torchbearer takes the positives from each of the extreme sub-genres (plus a little melody here and three) and moulds them together into one big, generally three to four minute song. Though the influences of each vary from song to song (don't get me wrong, they're still there), fans of any of these genres could enjoy the album's relentless thrash metal riffing, the sheer brutalnesss of death metal, or the cold fury of black metal. And when considering the subject that Warnaments deals with, this collaboration of extreme styles is very writing, representing the frantic exchange of bullets; the perpetual cannon fire, and the cold depths of which sunken warships descended to. Yeah, it's a pretty epic album. The guitars play an important role in the production, as can be heard in the likes of the dominating melody Battlespawn or crushing main riff of The Blunted Weapon, which plays a large role in the direction of the four and a half minute song. Another impressive aspect of the album is the atmospheric element found throughout the album. While the atmospheric touches that Torchbearer employs are not the most…atmospheric you'll ever hear, they do a superb job of adding a surprisingly effective level of emotion into the album. Often just a simple melody to be heard in the background of the sometimes chaotic, sometimes soft passages of music, they introduce a sad, regretful element reminding listeners of the horrors and depressive nature of the topic Warnaments addresses.

In terms of songs, the album's best is undoubtedly the sixth track, Battlespawn. It combines each of the three metal sub-genres better than any of the album's other songs, which says a lot considering the emphasis on said genres. The song starts off with an intense, crunch filled riff, a riff that serves as the basis for the songs rhythm. But what separates Battlespawn from the likes of say The Blunted Weapon or Swift Turns of War is the immensely epic and powerful melody which becomes the centrepiece of the song. The mournful melodious guitar lines are among the highlights, if not the highlight of the album, and showcase the creative minds behind Torchbearer at their best. Definitely one of my favourite songs of 2006. Another epic song would be Burial Waters, Deepsome Graves. Remember the atmospheric touches I mentioned earlier? Well they're heavily utilized here. The mood of this track is quite similar to that of Battlespawn, both intense and rugged, as well as sombre and melodic. The powerful mix of rapid fire guitar lines, blast beats and screams fit the chaotic occurrences within the concept exceedingly well; where as the calm piano intros and outros attempt to help ease the listener after the brutal effort from the band. It's quite an epic expenditure, one which while used throughout the album in songs like The Blunted Weapon, remains fresh and interesting.

As some of you might be aware of, I enjoyed 2006's metal offering quite a bit. Sure, Trivium released The Crusade that year, but I found a number of enjoyable albums which combat that misfortune. Despite it not being crafted by a power metal band, one of my favourite albums of 2006's was Torchbearer's Warnaments, and for very good reason. They take all of the essential extreme metal elements and combine it into an excellent 34 (yet feels like it's longer) minute death/thrash/black record. If you're into any of these genres, you should definitely give it a shot. If not, it probably won't change your mind. But check it out anyways. It's one of 2006's best.

(Originally written for Sputnikmusic)

Interesting Change - 95%

Degrading_Light, October 9th, 2006

This album is different than their first in many ways. First of all, it has moved away from the black metal atmosphere and more into death metal. By releasing this concept album, we see the band touching new grounds. While not knowing what to expect from the album at first, because of the mixed reactions by other reviews, I was surprised to have none of the same complaints for what Torchbearer has done here. The music is able to take on a story with quality lyrical content and the flexible tempos. The songs start for the most part, with a delicate introduction and then lead into a more intense chorus (depicting the battles sang of in the songs.)

The keyboard plays an important role in aiding the melody without being played excessively. A pattern you notice on this diverse album is that none of the instruments are imbalanced or given more light than the rest. It is all mixed in proportion, probably because each member is able to hold his instrument so well. It wasn't necessarily the band's talent that impressed me though. The music writing itself was unique and combined with their style of playing, gave the music a nice finish.

This album sticks out to me as an unrecognized jewel in its particular genre. Don't expect room for repetition or band ripoffs here. The album was, however, very short (coming in at around 35 minutes)and it made me wish it was longer. There are a few "preludes" or "fillers" on this album to help lengthen the time, but if there are any advantage to the album being shorter, its that it is able to hold your attention in the brief time it takes to listen to.

Another thing that keeps the album from being perfect is that some tracks can be pointed out as better than others. Like many albums, the flaw is that it leaves the listeners to skipping around and listening to only the tracks they have identified as the best. I still feel I got my money's worth out of this purchase though.

Beyond All Remorse Review - 65%

BeyondAllRemorse, June 13th, 2006

TORCHBEARER : Warnaments : Regain Records


From the outset the alarm bells started to ring inside my tiny brain. Power Metal band, trading under the name of Torch Bearer, concept album....it really didn't look all that promising on paper. However what greeted me when I finally took a deep breathe and pressed play was an amazing racket that most Death Metal bands would be proud of let alone those of the Power Metal persuasion.


Okay lets clear a few points up that I have already raised. There is nothing wrong with Power Metal, but the thought of a concept album sort of put me off. It shouldn't of. Even if the songs are connected in theme (this album is based on stories surrounding the Battle Of Jutland which saw the British and Germans battling it out at sea), it isn't your bog standard run through of fairy tales and made up bollocks. No this is based on facts and as such display a rawness and reality about them that is sometimes lacking in other Power Metal type scenarios. The bands name also gave cause for concern, but to be honest thats just my mind narrowing a little so scrub that.


Right then. So what we have here is a bloody good album, packed with intensity and simply blinding tunes. Why its defined as Power Metal is beyond me, as it leans very much towards the Black Death Metal genres that the various band members usually frequent. Maybe they should invent a new genre just for themselves, which is what seems to be the normal thing to do in this day and age. Sod, it we'll do it for them. Marmite Metal, yeah that'll do. Wh Marmite Metal? Well its something your either going to love or hate. Personally I in the former encampment and truly believe this is an exceptional album. Its not easy listening and takes time, but first impressions can always be wrong. In the case of Torch Bearer I am really glad I did just that. Long live Marmite Metal then.

Review by: Matt S
www.beyondallremorse.co.uk