Torn Flesh
Crux of the Mosh
Reviewed by John Wilson
Some Christian bands choose a subtle approach to the ministry; some are more direct...then there is Torn Flesh. With the sincerity of the apostle Paul and the intensity of Pastor Larry Lea's stare, this aptly-titled, rough-edged 12-song hardcore assortment puts you in your place, disciples you, and blows your speakers. While trying desperately to read along with Greg Hudson's speed vocals, I was reminded of Vengeance's "He Is God" and One Bad Pig's "Godarchy" (formerly "Anarchy Is Prison"), except Greg doesn't scream it. He barks it - faster than someone praying the sinner's prayer while freefalling to his death from 1,000 feet. At some points I just had to wonder if this was Lust Control on a really good day, with Freddy Krueger all born-again, filling in on vocals. Every cut on this album is a masterpiece of its own, which makes choosing a standout an uneasy task. If forced to decide, I would say "World Pollution" and the title track most unabashedly cut to the bone: "It's all world pollution/ It will all need to change/ Starting with your heart/ That you need to rearrange/ It's all world pollution/ So you don't complain/ If you keep ignoring God/ Then your life's stained." - "World Pollution". Marvelous production and a penchant for relating soul-prodding conviction round out this tasty hardcore slab, making it a definite milestone in the evolution (that's right, I said it) of Christian metal. Buy a copy of "Crux of the Mosh" for a high-strung, unsaved mosher, and see if it doesn't totally psyche him out...er, I mean, uh...put the fear of God into him. Torn Flesh address some serious spiritual concerns, yours and mine (and usually focusing on finding a turning point toward God), with a godly perspective, leaving few stones unturned...for now.