Customer Reviews

Microscopic View of Telescopic Realm

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Remember the old maxim that the Devil has all the best songs? Tourniquet might just prove that wrong.

It is probably possible to listen to this album for the Christian lyrics, as a kind of "Slayer for decent people" and, considering the "helpful" Bible quotes supplied, it might be meant to. Whatever. However, it it also possible to enjoy this slab for its musical merits alone, and that's what I do. Ted Kirkpatrick knows how to craft intricate, yet interesting tunes and most of the songs are far too good to be judged on lyrical content alone (the exception being "Servant of the bones", which has some very clever lyrics, but is musically rather boring...). Choice highlights are "Tomb of Gilgamesh", which is a 7-minute speed-fest with lots of cello (and yes, it works!), and "Erratic palpitations of the human spirit", where vocalist Luke Easter (which I guess is an assumed name...) goes from some acapella Dave Mustaine-style snarling through a high-speed Jello Biafra rant to sounding not unlike the 1975-vintage Ozzy Osbourne. Great stuff. Easter sounds great throughout the album; he can both sing and bark. Thus, he goes well with the numerous twists and turns of the music. Not all songs are equally good, however, thus it receives only four stars.

For some reason (I blame Stryper for this), I've always had a deep aversion to "White" metal, but Tourniquet could possibly change that. A must-have for all Annihilator and Megadeth fans, and worth checking out for anyone who likes quality metal.

Awhile back,I thought there were MAYBE two different bands that had the same name,Tourniquet.After digging this CD up and going online,I can easily see now that there is just this one.Didn't realize the L.A. Christian metal ensemble had so may releases out.The eleven cuts here seem to have plenty of well played guitar riffs.Haven't heard that many 'metal' bands like this one.Tracks that make this disc worth repeated plays are "Drinking From The Poisoned Well","Servant Of The Bones","Martyr's Pose" and "Immunity Vector".Basically,just good thinking man's metal.You know,a band with something to say.Line-up:Luke Easter-vocals,Aaron Guerra-guitar,bass&vocals,Cameron Stone-cello,Jennifer Hall-flute and Ted Kirkpatrick-drums.Might possibly appeal to fans of Fates Warning,Nuclear Assault,Leatherwolf and Crimson Glory.

Any fan of TOURNIQUET will be very pleased to know that the newest release is nothing short of a miracle. Ted Kirkpatrick (drummer, main music writer) has returned to the Thrash/Speed Metal music that we have all come to know and love and I for one couldn't be more pleased if I had discovered sliced bread. Even with just a three-peice consisting of Ted Kirkpatrick, Aaron Guerra (guitar, vocals), and Luke Easter (vocals); these musicians have taken off where TOUNIQUET left off when they released "PATHOGENICE OCCULAR DISSONANCE".

All you "prog" fans will be happy to know that YES the new album is very progressive. Cellos and flutes often make their appearance during the 200 bpm thashing of heavy guitar riffs and amazing drum work, as does the occasional whistleling. Ted Kirkpatrick has come back full swing with Slayer-esque riffs and Mr. Bungle quick non-consenting music idea changes. A huge plus for this music fan. Also, I think Mr Kirkpatrick has been studying Mike Portnoy's videos because he is definatley not shy to show his chops. Per every album there is his solo song and I am blown away by his chops.

I must admit I was little distraught when I listened to previous releases like Vanishing Lessons, Carry The Wounded (not an official full-length album), and Crawl To China. But MVOATR has regained my appeal and admiration for the writing and perfomance ability that I have come to expect. And while I'm still not used to Luke Easter's vocals I must admit that with this new album I might be able to get into his performance a little better.

On a more positive note I must add that the shortest peice on the 11 song album is 4:11, and the rest clock in at an impressive 6-7 mins long. One of the songs "Skeezix Dilemma Part II" is a pleasant surprise for this listener. Another surprise is the guest-vocals of MORTIFICATION's Steve Row.

This is a definate MUST HAVE for all fans of good hard music. TOURNIQUET fans especially. Visit their official website

That might offend some Metallica fans, but I think its true. This latest Tourniquet album contains music much more complex AND well played than almost anything you'll hear today. If you're a fan of Metallica, Tool, Megadeth (Rust In Peace era) or anything else that qualifies as precision metal, then you need to check out this album. It contains a lot of influences from classical music - many of the guitar riffs sound as though they were written by Beethoven or Bach. The drumming on this album will leave you speechless. I think Ted Kirkpatrick can hold his own against any drummer today. Definitely check this out !

Now, I'm tired of seeing this band get bashed left and right due to their religious beliefs!! So what if they're Christians, their music can kick the snot out of most bands out there today!! Yes, the lyrics express certain spiritual beliefs, but the unique thing about Tourniquet is that their lyrics possess a duality, in which the subject matter relates to everyday life as well as their spiritual views, so no offense should be taken by anyone! Musically, the album is a return, of sorts, to the heavy abrasiveness of 1992's Pathogenic Ocular Dissonance, with a 90s sophistication, of course. Granted, due to multiple lineup changes, their sound was destined to change, so yea, we will miss the silken vocals of Guy Ritter, but the acidic nature of Luke Easter's voice suits the band's current direction just as well. Tourniquet is definitely looking to the future with technological themes throughout the album art, certain vocal melodies and song-writing style. Yes, Ted Kirkpatrick, the sole original member is still pumping out melodic Heavy Metal that would make Phil Anselmo cry with bitter envy. The chops are vibrant, the breakdowns are humbling, and there are more Prog-like time changes than you can shake a DREAM THEATER at. The true triumph of this disc is that it is aurally stimulating (those Classical signatures get me every time!), emotionally nerve-wracking (one minute you're banging your fist, and the next you're reaching for the box of tissues), and mentally challenging, for you are not merely getting your booty kicked by mad riffage, you're brain is working in overdrive (provided you read the lyrics). Overall, it is a great album to re-introduce Tourniquet to the Metal public, and I thank Metal Blade for finally having the balls to give them another chance!!

Tourniquet's new release "Microscopic View In A Telescopic Realm" is a definite reminder that this band was and is still heavy metal. With lots of songs going back to the speed metal days of "Pathogenic Oscular Dissonance". In fact this album could be called a cross between "Pathogenic Oscular Dissonance" and "Crawl To China". Some of the songs sound as if they could be off any of Extol's and Vengeance Rising's albums(minus the death metal vocals). Luke's vocals are excelent and probably the best I've ever heard from him to date. The Guitars are very heavy. And finally somebody from the states has brought melody back to heavy metal. There are some cool Baroque pieces thrown in to some of the songs. If I have one complaint about the album it is they could have done with out the flute parts in a couple of the songs(it sends me on a bad 70's trip). But Overall a very good Album. Pick it up while you can

If You like great Heavy Metal drumming,look no futher than this Metal Blade records release by Tourniquet! The production is terrific and the songs are very inventive.Almost all the songs are seven minutes long or longer and there are several time changes in each. Having seen this band live several times,they can backup live what you hear on the CD. If You are looking for something a little more creative than the normal Metal release, go out and get "A Microscopic View of a Telescopic Realm" by Tourniquet.You'll be pleasantly suprised!

This is my favorite Tourniquet recording next to their first one STOP THE BLEEDING which had a different (better) singer.

Tourniquet is a metal band that possesses their own unique sound, but if backed against a wall I'd describe them as a rough hybrid of Iron Maiden, Mercyful Fate/King Diamond and Slayer.

Although they're a very different band on this 2000 recording than they were in 1990 when they released STOP THE BLEEDING -- Ted Kirkpatrick being the sole original member -- this CD still possesses that unmistakable Tourniquet vibe, which proves that Kirkpatrick was/is the nucleus of the band (i.e. the most influential member).

The vocalist, Luke Christmas -- whoops, I'm sorry, Luke Easter -- pales in comparison to original vocalist Guy Ritter, who was on the same level as, say, King Diamond. Amazingly, Luke's been with the group since 1994! In all honesty his vocals aren't very impressive. He's merely an average gruff vocalist (at best) but makes up for it with his attempts to be diverse rather than one-dimensional, like too many gruff-styled vocalists. In other words, he doesn't "sing" the same way every stanza of every song. I also like the fact that he throws in some actual singing here and there. Let's give him credit where credit's due.

Yet, he stands in the shadow of Guy Ritter, a great metal vocalist. Unlike Guy, Luke is unable to make the songs SOAR, which is what a vocalist is supposed to do. Don't get me wrong, he's okay, he gets the job done -- and I was able to adjust and appreciate the songs here (although it wasn't easy) -- but that's about it.

As to the actual songs on this cd: They're all long, untraditionally structured and labyrinthian in scope (think Metallica's "And Justice for All"). The first time you hear the album you'll lose your way; this is without a doubt thinking man's metal. Yet repeat hearings will slowly unveil hidden gems spiced throughout; the 'chorus' of "The Tomb of Gilgamesh" comes to mind.

As for the drumming, anyone who know's anything about Tourniquet knows that Kirkpatrick's drum-playing ranks up there with the best of the metal genre. Whether you're a Christian, Atheist, Sciencefictiontologist or Hindu, you need to do yourself a favor and expose yourself to this man's incredible talent!

As long as you can adjust to Luke Easter's vocals this is a quality metal album and one of Tourniquet's best after STOP THE BLEEDING.

A lot of people perceive Christian metal as being too conservative to make room for innovation. But with Tourniquet, that definitely is not the case. They incorporate 200 beat-per-minute speed metal, Bach-inspired organ, flute solos, and an acoustic passage with Simon and Garfunkle-like vocal harmonies. And that's just the first song. There's plenty of zaniness to follow.

But there's more to Tourniquet than just musical pandemonium. They are very talented and diverse musicians. Drummer Ted Kirkpatrick, like Charlie Benante of Anthrax, is one of the few drummers who actually take a major role in constructing the guitar riffs. And his drumming on this album may have pushed him into Neil Peart territory. Plus he also plays some of the bass guitar and a harmony guitar solo, a not too shabby one at that, on the album.Guitarist Aaron Guerra, who plays the other bass parts, acts as a pretty good foil for Kirkpatrick. While he is a technically proficient player, some of his leads sound buried. And vocalist Luke Easter goes from singing a mellow Beach Boys style to a borderline death metal growl. Most of the time he sounds comfortable singing, but a few times he doesn't. But the real kicker is that these three play all the music except for the flute and cello on the album.

In addition to displaying great musicianship, the lyrics are also a lot more thought-provoking than one would expect from a Christian band. And while some of the lyrics are a little difficult to understand; an appropriate Biblical passage is provided for each song, including the instrumental to clarify each song's message. If there is a central message aroung which the other songs revolve, then it is taken from Matthew 16:26. A message that is all too often ignored in our overly commercialized and power hungry society.

Overall rating: 4.5 stars.

For those ordinary metalheads who might be turned off Tourniquet because they are labelled as "Christian metal," do not be. Although I myself happen to be a Christian, I do not enjoy preachy lyrics or the extremely generic stuff that characterizes most "Christian music." Tourniquet stand head and shoulders above other "Christian metal" bands--at least, now that they've returned to making metal! And the lyrics are cast expressively enough that they should not offend.

Now, down to the music. Tourniquet has returned to the style of their older works; I would say that this is a cross between "Vanishing Lessons" and "Pathogenic Ocular Dissonance," with the clean, broad guitar tone and vocals of the former and the technicality of the latter. Ted Kirkpatrick's drumming is in fine form and better integrated with the music than on prior releases (that is, there are no special drum instrumentals, but the flashy drum work finds its way into the ordinary songs). "The Skeezix Dilemma Part II" is a worthy successor to the incredible first version. All in all, this release will probably be one of the top ten metal releases of 2000. If you like Anacrusis, Mekong Delta, Voivod, and possibly even ultra-technical bands like Watchtower, Sieges Even, and Power of Omens you will be impressed.