Metalcatto
I’ve seen it all when it comes to band names — from great to terrible — which is why Ancient Torment feels just right. Not too fancy, not too simple. It fits what the band is doing here. It’s not often that a debut sends all the right signals from the start, so I’m expecting something at least decent from Follow the Echo of Curses. And you can’t blame me. How else would I face this job if I didn’t believe in bands? I’d just be another bitter Metal elitist reviewer, I guess — which might make good ragebait. Hmm, maybe I should think about that. Anyway, let’s dive in.
Follow the Echo of Curses is savage from the start, even in its more melodic or introspective moments. This is Black Metal that’s obsessed with speed and filth — aggressive, fast, and constantly abrasive. You’ll hear similarities with bands like Spectral Wound or Satanic Warmaster: long, expansive tracks that blast your ears for five to seven minutes straight. What sets Ancient Torment apart, though, is their ability to make everything sound even uglier and less polished — which can actually be a compliment, depending on who you ask (like the kind of person who wears leather and chains to buy eggs — no judgment, but it must take time to get dressed).
The song structure sticks to a reliable approach: thunderous riffs hit immediately, no intros, no buildup, just straight into the torment (pun intended). Then come the raw, anguished vocals, followed by piercing melodies and relentless blast beats. It’s all familiar, but well-executed, and the gritty production fits the sound perfectly. They resist going overly heavy or too emotional, instead sticking to a confident formula that works. Even with longer track lengths, the album feels brisk — and I appreciate that, because I’ve got stuff to do. Brevity matters!
Now, just a few humble tips from someone who’s never written an album, only messed around with riffs and beer in the garage: the band’s consistent approach to starting songs is effective, but it also makes many of them blend together. Aside from the epic closing tracks, the rest can feel a bit too similar — not bad by any means, just a little hard to distinguish from each other once the chaos settles.
It’s so kvlt, you have to click here!
Label: Eternal Death
Release date: 1 August, 2025
Website: www.facebook.com/ancienttorment
Country: USA
Score: 3.5/5.0
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