Tourniquet is a Christian metal band that released their debut album STOP THE BLEEDING in 1990. From the beginning the band has been pro-God and anti-animal mistreatment. Their latest record is GAZING AT MEDUSA (2018, Pathogenic Records). Tourniquet is: Ted Kirkpatrick (drums, bass), Aaron Guerra (guitar, vocals), Chris Poland (lead guitar), and Tim Ripper Owens (lead vocals).
Starting things off is 'Sinister Scherzo', a blazing metal tune with a great message: "Discordant melody/Hearts full of apathy/Discordant melody/But meant for unity/Sinister scherzo/The pull of evil is strong/Sinister scherzo/Led by its hellbound song/Let Him change your song". 'Longing for Gondwanaland' is a terrific metal song about all the divisions in our society: "Once there was a place, united one race/Now, it's not the case/We separate ourselves from those who are different/Silently or often with hateful volition.../Color, religion, and appearance-our distractions.../United we stand/Divided we fall". 'Memento Mori (Remember You Must Die)' is a metal ballad that'll make you think: "I know the plans I have for you/To give you hope and a future too/We are unholy, but think that we're righteous/We are unworthy, but still feel entitled/Yet we can love/We love because He first loved us/Dying means living/Living means dying/Memento Mori".
Next up, 'All Good Things Died Here' picks up the pace musically. It encourages humility: "The power struggle is waged by the strong against the strong/But the paradox is the weakest were the strongest all along/Pride will come before a fall/The merciful shall inherit all/Now we know the score/To elevate ourselves no more/All good things died here". 'The Crushing Weight of Eternity' is over six minutes long. It speaks of the hope God offers: "Reach your hand/He'll reach back/Reach your hand/He'll reach back/The crushing weight of eternity/Deafening moment for you and me/The weight is lifted when we choose to walk the path He offers/Kaleidoscope He hands to us/The focus clear, it's time to trust/The broken lens is paid for/By the blood shed on the cross". 'The Peaceful Beauty of Brutal Justice' reminds us there is a hell: "Appointed unto man to die/And after that the judgment comes/The unrepentant wicked will be cast into damnation/Appointed unto man to die/And after that the judgment comes/Even though His hope is that we all will find salvation".
'Can't Make Me Hate You' speaks of God's unending love: "A heart rages against Him/Days of turning from that gentle nudge/Years of choices apart from His plan/Waving a fist at God just because we can/A still small voice says 'Can't make Me hate you'/A gentle spirit says 'No matter what you do'/A still small voice says 'Can't make Me hate you'/Hardened heart, stubborn mind/Leave them all behind". 'One Foot in Forever' rocks and will resonate with nature lovers: "The beauty of this world carries the hints of eternity/In everything we touch, in everything we hear and see/Let creation inspire you, burn a fire in you.../See the creatures around us/And see the glimpse of His majesty/Keep one foot in forever/Live in the moment with the other". Last up is the title track, 'Gazing at Medusa'. According to Wikipedia.org: "In Greek mythology, Medusa was a monster, a Gorgon, generally described as a winged human female with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Those who gazed upon her face would turn to stone". Guest lead vocals are provided by Deen Castronovo on this headbanger! This one reminds us that God is most powerful: "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me (2X)/When my back's against the wall/He will make sure I don't fall/Victory is ours to grasp/So go ahead and gaze/Stare into her eyes ablaze/Gazing at Medusa".
I really don't have anything bad to say about this excellent record of Christian metal material. The vocals are so well suited to the material that it's crazy! The electric guitar playing is stellar. This album is right on par with Stryper's GOD DAMN EVIL. Tourniquet reminds us that with God as our Helper, we can accomplish much. We always have a friend in Him. His love for us is fierce. Tourniquet also reminds us that we can choose not to have a personal relationship with God. If we take that route, hell is a reality as a destination for us. The front cover art by Jason Juta is certainly memorable! Do yourself a favor and pick up this album, which I'm rating 100%. For more info visit www.tourniquet.net and connect with them on social media.