Genre: Black metal
Origin: Norway
Released: 2010
Website: Gravdal
Label: Unexploded Records
Uploaded: 18.04.10

I really liked Gravdal's debut album Sadist from 2008, it felt like the epiphany of Norwegian black metal today. So when I received the follow-up in the mail the other day I got really excited, 'cause I had a hunch I was gonna be in for a real treat. Sadly enough all I received was a copy of the disc itself, no booklet, artwork or other info whatsoever. That sucks donkey dick, 'cause it certainly takes away from some of the listening experience. But I guess I'll have to focus a tad harder on the actual music instead, and disregard what effect the artwork and lyrics might've had on the opus.
The album starts out with a real blasphemic piece called Hyrdestund i helvete, a relatively slow tune with that classic Norwegian touch. To enhance the atmosphere, one grim and mean-sounding atmosphere, they've added what sounds like some form of sermon played backwards. It sounds quite freaky and schizoid, ie it really does its job. Moving on to Slave the tempo picks up a bit, but still remaining within a sort of mid-pace range, without any of the more modern ultra-blasting tendencies. The track also has a wicked guitar line that sneaks its way into the tune, adding a catchy touch of melody. Mishandlet is a song that sticks out, not only for the guest vocals courtesy of Kvarforth, but also for being the most agonized of the tunes. It's slow and angstfilled, and with a marvellously effective melody. Whereas Kastrert på ambolt is a seriously spooky and unnerving song.
And that's pretty much what Gravdal is all about; balancing between grimness and melody. The atmosphere is quite harsh, much to due with the harshness of the vocals, spewing forth bits about torture and other gory and sadistic topics. The guitar sound is quite hefty, but still gnarly in a sense, so it too has a harsh touch. The riffing is not always something you'll be humming long after the album's stopped, but it's always delivered with great effect. At times the riffing is simply put killer, as for instance in Pulsen vakler. That track also has some absolutely magnificent tempo changes going on.
I can't say Torturmantra is a beginners album, it might be just a little bit too rough for a newcomer. But for a genuine fan of old school Norwegian black metal, like for instance Gorgoroth, this is a must have. Gravdal skillfully revitalizes the classic Bergen sound. It is seriously a band to keep an eye on, 'cause they're going places.

Tracklist:
01. Hyrdestund i helvete
02. Slave
03. Eg e ditt helvete
04. Mishandlet
05.
06. Torturmantra
07. Pulsen vakler
08. Klastrert på ambolt
09. Slutt