Tourniquet
Stop the Bleeding
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
Praise the Lord! The hype was right, this band is ultra heavy and rips big-time! Produced by Roger Martinez, this project has hardcore, intricate thrash music; and hardcore lyrics with scripture references printed amidst the songs. Guy Ritter, who fronted Holy Danger way back when, frequently flies into his high-pitched wailing a la King Diamond. The band, which on this recording consists of Guy Ritter, Ted Kirkpatrick, and Gary Lenaire, shreds! The lyrics twist the serpent and tear down strongholds (thought patterns, "lofty speculations") with swift, scriptural accuracy. "To confessing Christians/ that live in sin/ To the religious/ living by the law/ Those who heard the Gospel/ and turned away/ Lazy people who wouldn't wake up their minds/ Your life is in danger - Holy Danger!" - "The Threshing Floor". "Do you really think that God grades on a curve/ when all of the answers are found in the Word...A man can't stumble/ when he's on his knees/ So let us pray!" - "You Get What You Pray For". "Ark of Suffering" deals a neccesary blow to the thinking that animals can be mistreated with no retribution from God. This will be one of the hottest albums of the summer. The music kills, the vocals are happenin', the production is crunchin' and super keen, and the cover art is top-notch.