The Torment


The Torment is the first studio album by the British thrash metal band Seventh Angel, released on Music for Nations label in 1990. The album established the band as "one of England's leading thrash metal bands" by The Daily Telegraph. In 2010, HM Magazine ranked it number 51 on the Top 100 Christian Metal Albums of All Time list.

Recording

After signing with Under One Flag, a subsidiary label of Music for Nations, Seventh Angel recorded the debut at Mad Hat Studios, Wolverhampton, with producer Paul Hodson. The cover art was done by Rodney Matthews. The album features plenty of tempo changes, progressive elements and considerable amount of deathrash leanings.

Reception

In a review published on 1 September 1990, Brian Hoff of Cross Rhythms magazine gave the album 8 points out of 10, stating that he was particularly impressed by the music and lyrics. Hoff wrote that, "There can be no doubt about it, this album is going to offend, shock, worry and disgust some people." In reference to the lyrics, he promised they would, "...smack you straight between the eyes and tell it as it is."
For example, "Dr Hatchet" is a song which accuses those in the medical profession who perform abortions of being cold-blooded murderers. According to Hoff, the song caused "much controversy amongst certain so-called Christian event organizers." Musically, Hoff felt that the only thing that needed criticism was Ian Arkleys vocals: "These are excellent for the thrash numbers, but unlike his guitar work, lack the range, imagination and musicality to cope with a track like 'Katie' where some real vocal dexterity is called for, Ian sounds more like he's talking or doing a 'Make Way' chant than singing." After the release, the British newspaper The Daily Telegraph wrote that Seventh Angel is one of England's leading Christian thrash metal bands. The Torment achieved notable mainstream distribution.
Later, Ian Arkley has stated in interviews that he regrets the album's lyrics because he was "young and reckless" at the time he wrote them. Eventually, the lyrical style would become more subtle on the second album Lament for the Weary.

Tour

During the months following the album's release, the band played concerts in Dudley and Stourbridge, 5 times in Brierley Hill's The Rock Tavern club. In November 1990, Seventh Angel headlined Metal Meltdown festival.
In February 1991, Seventh Angel appeared on BBC TV four times with video material recorded at Metal Meltdown festival. "Forbidden Desires" was the selected song.

Track listing

All songs written by Seventh Angel.
;The Torment
  1. "Tormented Forever" – 4:26
  2. "The Charmer" – 7:21
  3. "Forbidden Desires" – 3:47
  4. "I of the Needle" – 5:42
  5. "Expletive Deleted" – 3:26
  6. "Dr Hatchet" – 6:04
  7. "Locked Up in Chains" – 5:14
  8. "Acoustic Interlude" – 0:43
  9. "Katie" – 9:45
  10. "Epilogue" – 1:48
;Lament for the Weary
  1. "Recollectinos of a Life Once Lived"
  2. "No Longer a Child"
  3. "Full of Blackness"
  4. "Lament for the Weary"
  5. "Woken by Silence"

    Credits

;Seventh Angel
;Additional musicians