Misanthropik Torment – Murder Is My Remedy

Even for someone who has been reviewing music since 2001, Murder Is My Remedy feels old as it was released more than three years ago. I’m not sure why this CD was sent to me that long after its release, but it will not prevent me from writing a few words about it.

For those of you still unfamiliar with this band; from Lexington, Kentucky (USA) comes a blackened death metal horde named Misanthropik Torment. According to band’s website ‘Misanthropik Torment’s sole purpose is to stand against tyranny and advocate for the execution of all terrorists, alongside of rapists and pedophiles! We Must Kill Them!!! No longer shall I sit back in the shadows quietly observing the sickness of humanity!’ Believe it or not, Murder Is My Remedy is their eight full-length album in just about four years since the foundation of the band?!

I’m not sure if it’s still the case, but in the time of the recording of this 8-tracker line-up consisted of; Erick Leviathan (vocals), Josh Freeman (guitars), James Pasini (bass) and Hector ‘The Beast’ (drums). On other places I could read that ‘…music was put together by two individuals, the most notable being the leader and vocalist Erick ‘Leviathan’ and Josh Freeman to handle all instrumental work on the album’.

I remember Misanthropik Torment’s early material (2019) as extremely raw and abrasive mix of black & death metal, which felt as an assault on your senses. So, what does this new material sound like? On this later material they obviously worked on more refined, sophisticated and tighter songwriting. Thus, on Murder Is My Remedy one can hear a bit more complex structure of the songs, and it suits their sound well. Apropos the sound, it is still raw and dangerous, but with numerous melodic rhythms and calmer sections. Furthermore, there are also a few interesting harmonies in the tracks called “King of Fools” and “Zero Fucks” in particular. Another interesting thing about Murder Is My Remedy is the noticeable lack of guitar solos, as there’s not a single guitar solo on this album. Personally, I think it would have helped a bit, offering more diversity, unpredictability and overall varied sound.

There’re a few other cons about this particular record. The first thing I noticed when listening to this album is the production, which feels like it’s not done properly and unfinished. It’s a shame, because their songwriting skills and handling of all the instruments is pretty solid. Another thing that drags the whole thing down are the lyrical lines, which often do not suit the overall rhythm of the instruments. Finally, there’s something about the cover art for Murder Is My Remedy – I find primitive and amateur, without any information nor the lyrics inside.

To sum up; I still see potential for the band to improve and develop their sound further. My sincere advice to this hard-hitting Kentucky-based act, not to rush with their releases, and to work more on things like production and adjustment & harmonization of vocals and the instruments.

If still interested to learn more about this particular release, please visit https://misanthropiktorment.bandcamp.com/album/murder-is-my-remedy