Album Review: Torso – Annihilation Day (APF Records)

Torso, a snarling one-man wrecking crew fuelled by fuzz pedals, grindhouse trash, and the spirit of DIY, is back with ‘Annihilation Day’, set for release on 29th August via APF Records. A culmination of everything that came before, Annihilation Day is Torso’s first concept LP. Set on January 1st, 1984, it tells the twisted tale of a small-town university campus invaded by an escaped madman and ex-student on prom night. The town’s fate lies in the hands of two girls, Rita and Christine…and all hell breaks loose!

The idea of a horror-based concept seems like a bit of a no-brainer for Torso, but had it happened at the start of the project’s existence, it would likely not have had the impact it does now. That’s because Torso has spent the past few years refining what it is and now, in 2025 and on this third album, we hear the culmination of all that work, and what a mighty fine release it is in the end.

Take everything great about the past two albums, turn the fuzz dial up, throw in even more punky spirit, a liberal amount of experimentation, and then drench it in blood. Not only is it delightfully wicked, but it is fun, exciting, and interesting. I’m telling you, everything has been leading to this moment, and it does so much more than sate the thirst of horror fans. Even if it’s that audience that will find themselves more enamoured here.

Featuring four tracks, each a behemoth in its own right, and filled with varied ideas. From the moment the heart-racing synth of THE HALLS RUN RED introduces things, immersion sets in. This is a slasher, but not everyone is a victim, and Torso displays this in energised fuzzed-out punk rock fashion with a refined rawness that makes it more listenable than ever. Especially as Graham Bywater is pushing his vocals and trying different styles out. He’s also experimenting with different effects as the last part of this track proves. Personally, I love the weirdness of it all and it really makes me feel like I’m experiencing something that could have come from 1984.

With SATANIC NIRVANA, the groove is that little bit filthier, and this one flies by in body-quivering, head-banging, and blood-curdling fashion. I love the fuzz and vocals here, and the Ministry touches are undeniable. However, for me, it’s all about BLAST FURNACE.

First off, the synth at the start is my jam. I love synth, and its connection to horror is important, but just as importantly, so is its connection to sci-fi, and here Torso combine both. I get a Creepozoids vibe from it, and it leaves me uneasy, which is awesome. Then with a clattering of drums, the lo-fi heavy rock intensity arrives and Torso is sounding rawer than ever. Yet, over the track’s extensive runtime, it evolves in clever ways, remaining surprisingly anthemic, but with layers of chunky and chuggy complexity. It’s near nine-minutes that disappears in the flash.

Finally, it’s SHOW YOUR FACE, and here, Torso’s bold and brash direction comes from varied tempos and an ever-increasing intensity. By time the end credits finally roll, in a haze of noise, most will be feeling well and truly spent. Yet, no one will be coming away unsatisfied. Like the best horror movies, it stays with you long afterwards and the urge to experience it again and again becomes too strong to deny.

The best Torso album to date? Without a shadow of a doubt.

Torso – Annihilation Day Track Listing:

1. THE HALLS RUN RED (Rita’s Death / The Thrill of The Kill / Dorm of The Dead)
2. SATANIC NIRVANA (Tolls of Death / Christine’s Theme / The Sound of Blood)
3. BLAST FURNACE (Killer’s Theme / Vengeance in Their Eyes / Too Many Humans)
4. SHOW YOUR FACE (Christine Kills / Dripping Corpse / Bloodbath to Paydirt)

Links

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