Iron Slaught's 'Metallic Torments' is a thrilling journey through the realms of heavy and speed metal, offering a unique blend of 80s Germanic thrash, classic heavy metal, and blackened death. The album's title, despite its OCD-inducing nature, hints at the metallic torments that await the listener. This is a duo's labor of love, a testament to their passion for the genre and their ability to merge diverse influences seamlessly. The album's 44-minute runtime is packed with energy and verve, delivering pure tundra thunder at times. The instrumental intro sets the stage for the real fire to spread, with 'Ghastly Obsession' igniting the flames. This song is a fast, aggressive 80s speed excess with catchy, melodic leads reminiscent of Running Wild and Forefather. The album's formula is ambitious, merging various subgenres, but the duo's energy and verve bring it to life. 'The Executioner' is another rip ride, brimming with blackened thrash energy and 80s heavy metal bravado, while 'Soldier of Fortune' is pure 80s gold with anthemic energy and wild guitar pyrotechnics. The clean vocals are interesting and not always great, but they work well enough to sell the product. Several tracks are sung entirely in French, including the Bütcher-esque 'Condamné Pour L’Éternité' and the large-and-in-charge power ballad 'Charme Funeste'. The album's closer, 'Fatal Retaliations', is a standout, with blackened thrash reaching Desaster levels of berserk lunacy and a competing Grave Digger vibe. The duo's guitar work is impressive, with Iron Jérémy's fretboard surfing and Nikrass' solid foundational rumble providing a solid foundation for the batshit craziness. The drums, though programmed, blend seamlessly into the mayhem. 'Metallic Torments' is an unsung little album that punches above its weight, offering high-octane, easy-to-digest metal with surprises at every turn. It's a must-listen for metalheads, even if the band's name isn't household-worthy. In my opinion, this album is a hidden gem, a testament to the power of passion and the ability to merge diverse influences into a cohesive, thrilling experience. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best music comes from the most unexpected places.
