“Violence of the mind.“
It’s starting to feel like a long time since the dominos began to fall on what is now commonly referred to as the deathcore revival. It’s something that began in 2022 with Tracheotomy’s record Dissimulation, and has now been largely popularised by the likes of PSYCHO-FRAME and Slamwich. It’s almost at the point that the returning 00s sound is now the main currency in the deathcore genre. Now the lost years of overly symphonic and tech leaning deathcore are over, and bands of the truer ilk are packing out tours. To continue to call is a revival is perhaps to do it disservice. Thus, it’s once again time to look to those who will be moving the genre forward.
The bar was set by PSYCHO-FRAME on SALVATION LAUGHS IN THE FACE OF A GRIEVING MOTHER, which will no doubt be seen as this era’s The Cleaning. We’ve had the likes of Mauled, Lilth’s Demise and Rev3rent join the ranks of notable deathcore acts. Another who deserve to be named alongside those are Torn Open, a New Jersey unit returning for a second helping on TORN THE FUCK OPEN Vol. 2. This release not only marks them as a deathcore mainstay, but further proves the staying power that this new era of deathcore now has.
Their first iteration, neatly named TORN THE FUCK OPEN Vol. 1. showed their penchant for deathcore, where crushing riffs were mixed with earworm leads, making for a listen that caught the attention of many. Vol. 2 kicks down the door with “A Testament to Stoicism“, offering a blend of death metal riffs and sheer chuggs throughout the track. It’s as ruthless and relentless as what had come before. From the onset there is an adrenaline inducing atmosphere to the record through it’s almost horror-inspired soundscapes that chase the ear and mind.
On “Denial (And So It Begins)“, the tempo and pace are a plaything that Torn Open dangle before the bemused listener. They slowly turn up the pace like a frog in boiling water, leading to blast beats and pitched screams from Sofia Demasi, creating deathcore at its most evil. There is something to be noted about Demasi‘s vocals – the sheer wrath of the delivery on “The Way Things Should End” comes with a real rasp to them, giving that authentic edge. The enunciation draws the ear to its lyricism and variation of vocal performance.
As “…And So We Rise” closes TORN THE FUCK OPEN Vol. 2 out, many will conclude that Torn Open are a promising deathcore staple. Everything from the riffs, vocals, and cymbal clangs tick all the MySpace boxes that have become so beloved. Demasi shines further as a vocalist, clearly improving on Vol. 1; this is all important as these acts really do pivot on the ability of their vocalist. For what comes next, whether it’s a Vol. 3 or a full-length, Torn Open will truly carve out their mark.
7.5/10
TORN THE FUCK OPEN Vol. 2 is out Friday, May 1st via Blue Grape Music.