EP Review: Basement Torture Killings – The Gallery Of Monsters – Part 1 (Self Released)

Basement Torture Killings (BTK) are a UK collective of depraved serial killers who have been honing their blood-soaked gory death/grind since 2007. The band have released four full-length albums, with the most recent being ‘Lessons in Murder’ (2020), an audio self-help guide for wannabe serial killers.

They’re back…

Basement Torture Killings now take on the role of curators, inviting fans to witness their very own chamber of horrors like exhibit, The Gallery of Monsters. Released as four separate EPs, each introducing listeners to new monsters. Part 1 will be available on June 13th, 2025, digitally, alongside a very limited run of CDs that will feature two bonus tracks. Namely Human Body Part Jewellery (re-recorded version, this song was initially featured on 2007’s The Second Cumming) and a cover of Sex Murder Art by Slayer.

It has been far too long since the blood-spattered, animalistic, and savage ways of Basement Torture Killings offended the ears. So, it is great to have new music from them, even if their death/grind ways are an acquired taste. You don’t have to be f**ked up to like them, but it probably helps. Good thing we’re all a little f**ked up, eh?

Let’s step into the gallery, Basement Torture Killings have such sights to show us, and getting out alive isn’t guaranteed. Experience The Strangler first, and choke on the bile that rises as BTK deliver ferocious speed and feral intensity here. It’s a brutalising start that leaves you gasping for air, especially when the guitar solo hits.

Even the strongest of stomachs will find themselves doing loops as The Piquerist unveils a level of sadism not often experienced in music. BTK may not be the ones doing the mutilating directly, but they’re displaying the aftermath proudly, and creating the soundtrack to the visceral horror. Especially when they get quite ‘old-school’ with the ripping and tearing death metal sound of The Psychic. Thick riffs, garish roars, and pulverising drums, a BTK special.

Finally, it’s the most sickening monster of all (arguably) as The Scaphist is unveiled (read up about this method of medieval torture, it’s pretty grim) causing the bowels to tremble in fear. Basement Torture Killings delivering a hellaciously heavy effort that encourages some serious head banging. It’s a blistering banger and thoroughly enjoyable, provided you enjoy your metal on the extreme side of things.

I know I do, and I can’t wait to see what monstrosities await around the next corner. For now though, I’ll enjoy perversely looking upon the horrific sights that The Gallery of Monsters – Part 1 offers.

Basement Torture Killings – The Gallery of Monsters – Part 1 Track Listing:

1. The Strangler
2. The Piquerist
3. The Psychic
4. The Scaphist

Links

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