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Vio-lence > Torture Tactics > Reviews
Vio-lence - Torture Tactics

Lewd dudes with crude 'tudes - 50%

autothrall, March 20th, 2018
Written based on this version: 1991, Cassette, Caroline Records

If the Torture Tactics EP had just stopped with the first track, then it would have sufficed, since the titular lead-in is a brash, energetic piece that feels like it was swept up off the floor of the Eternal Nightmare sessions. Everything from the riffs to the inevitable bridge and leads is exciting, the gang shouts complement the ballistic energy, and it belongs entirely within the positive canon I hold for Vio-Lence. Had it been a 8th track on the 1988 debut then it would by no means have dragged down that work overall. Once this first five minutes has passed, however, there is little left but a series of diminishing returns that disappointed me even when I was a teenager and first picked it up on cassette. Perhaps I was just too lazy then to want to pop in and rewind a tape for just the one tune, but I very swiftly relegated this one to that pile of musical acquisitions that you own because you're a completionist for a band, even if you know in your heart it's just taking up space.

So, as I've established, "Torture Tactics" is a good time, keeping in line with the band's excellent output to that point, but what lies beyond? You get a 'live' offering of "Officer Nice" off Oppressing the Masses, and by 'live' I mean probably not, but a song intro from a gig, followed up by some wishy washy live mix of the track in which the vocals are more cavernous and echoing, and the guitars just a little less clear than the proper version off the sophomore album. This is followed by what two of the stupidest Vio-Lence songs in history, not because the music is terrible or unfit to bear the brand, but because the lyrics are so utterly fucking awful that even a sexually repressed 17 year old was embarrassed by them. "Gutterslut" is a lewd testament to some imaginary 'loose woman', or in other words just some degenerate, wishful thinking; "Dicks of Death" provides even more fantasy as they ruminate over having some gigantic schlong. There is a line in that last song, 'And if my dick gets stuck we'll just call Roto Rooter'. Charming, guys! Let's wave those flags of misogyny from our cocks a little higher and mightier as they stiffen.

Now, I GET it...I do. I was there. This was the wake of the 80s, people weren't so easily offended, and for a crime and murder inspired, testosterone-driven thrash band, these topics might even have seemed lighter by comparison to what you'd read on Eternal Nightmare. They probably weren't being remotely serious. But they just seemed so trite and juvenile, even then, and the fact they were wedged on the back half of an EP release seems to support the reasoning that nobody else felt very confident about their inclusion either, just Oppressing the Masses outtakes which were too awkward to include on the sophomore's initial release. "Gutterslut" is only half-bad, because the music is clinical, violent, frantic precision similar to "Torture Tactics", but "Dicks of Death" sounds like they were trying to write a tune for GWAR circa Scumdogs of the Universe, only without the gimmick and without the catchy song...it's pedestrian, useless, and even if were in the most meathead, drunken mentality possibility I wouldn't find it just a trace funny. The vocals are delivered with a more brutish tone, and it simply doesn't not fit, even with its neighbors here. Even Machine Head sounds good next to this tune...okay, maybe I won't go that far. In the end, the Torture Tactics EP has one good tune and half another one, so it's not entirely trash-worthy, but don't waste a dime on it...if you haven't yet picked up a copy of Oppressing the Masses, the 2005 Megaforce reissue has these as a bonus.

-autothrall
http://www.fromthedustreturned.com

A funny, pathetic, yet outstanding EP - 82%

KE3useer, May 4th, 2009

For many fans, this EP was nothing more than a good laugh and a futile attempt to create anything near to the greatness of Eternal Nightmare. For me, this is a solid EP that gives you a good chuckle along the way as well.

The song titles are a dead give away that this EP wasn't recorded in all seriousness. I mean, Gutterslut? Dicks of Death? Almost as bad as the random shoutings of "LINES FOR WHORES!!" Don't let the titles fool you though, this album makes up for it in musicianship.

The first song on this EP is Torture Tactics. It has a catchy riff and some revolting lyrics, as well as a couple of great riffs and solos. It gets very boring all the same and is rather weak for a title track.

The second song, to me, is the highlight of the album. Gutterslut brings you straight into the whirlwind with some of the greatest riffs in any thrash metal song. Catchy, fun, and full with heart pounding riffage, this song is sure to please any true thrasher.

The third song is a live cut of Officer Nice, a track on the "Oppressing the Masses" album. It's a good cut of the song with great recording. A nice little filler though to me, doesn't compare to the epicness of the original.

The final song is the laugh of the EP, Dicks of Death. Sporting lyrics like:
"My dicks so big I have to rap it around my leg"
"And if you piss me off i'll jack off in your face!"
I'm not gonna lie, I burst out laughing at those lyrics. But the main riff in the song is awesome as well as the solos in between verses.

With this EP Vio-lence proves again that they've got the Dicks of Death and the balls to make great thrash.

Fear pours from eyes, pathetically you will die - 80%

sepultribe, May 23rd, 2005

Yes, Vio-lence was one hardcore thrash band. Everyone is always saying that Vio-lence should’ve been a lot more recognized and more popular. Well, once everyone starts talking about how underrated a band is… well they aren’t underrated anymore. Sorry I think Vio-lence’s secret is out by now, but the band still, and always will kick serious ass. This is the third consecutive awesome thrash release from the Bay Area thrashers, featuring future Machine Head members. (I think we know the future history of that band.) Though it’s only an EP I still listen to this as much as I do Oppressing the Masses, maybe cause this one is a little more relaxed. Whatever the case it’s a wonderful little release for 91, about the time when thrash was fading.

It has the title track which is a straight ahead thrasher that’s very nice, a “live” track, and two other thrashy… interesting tracks. Torture Tactics hits you from the beginning with pure thrash. No build up, no opening, just bang. It has tons of riffs and fierce gang vocals throughout the song. The lyrics are fucking insane, describing graphic scenes of murder and death. The bass complements it nice and it has good consistent drumming from the sufficient Perry Strickland.

The supposed “live” track of Officer Nice, which was the best song on Oppressing the Masses would kickass. If it was live. What the hell is with bands and fake live tracks, Slayer did a whole damn album trying to pull it off and countless other bands throw this tracks around. Gutterslut starts off very thrashtastic indeed with kickass riffs. Then the vocals come in and I’m almost floored laughing at these lyrics. What’s even funnier than lyrics like “Your cunthole’s begin to widen more, I’ll have to tie a board to my ass” is how fucking serious the singer sounds singing it. The slower middle section kicks ass, the faster section kicks ass as well. Overall, a very nice funny song.

The time has come for the classy, rich, rendition of Dicks of Death. “And if you piss me off I’ll jack off in you’re… FACE.” Again you have yourself some nice lyrics, except not as funny as Gutterslut. “If my dick gets stuck we’ll just call Rotor Rooter!” It’s a slower more pumped up Motorhead sounding song. Obviously, blind drunk song writing. Not really needed, but still a nice little addition.

Is this essential… allright well not really but its still awesome thrash and a worthy download if not purchase. In fact I doubt you could find this anywhere anymore. But after you hear Gutterslut, you will thank me and yourself for getting it.