Metalcatto
II’m always a bit skeptical of one-man projects, unless they’re Dan Swanö. It’s like a race car with no brakes. However, this is a Post-Metal project, which makes me believe. I want to get my heart broken listening to this stuff. I want Torii to surprise me, because with an album named Despaire, the least I can expect is to relive those moments of loss, right?
Despaire sort of lied to me. Let me explain. It starts with this hostile yet melancholic energy, dropping riffs that make me think of KEN Mode, before diving into a Post-Rock atmosphere that feels like crying on a rainy day. The album’s structure leans more toward a lonely nighttime fire than a full-blown frenzy. It’s almost an instrumental album, with the vocals basically decorating this parade of distortion.
Torii lives and dies by the guitar work. It’s undeniably the most important element in carrying the album’s emotional weight. Think of a rawer version of Under the Steel Sky. You get more horror and, at times, less sadness. The drums are pretty straightforward, mostly there to keep the beat. And now we arrive at the evil part of this review. I’ve gotta talk about the bad!
I’m a sucker for this sound, but part of its strength lies in its massive execution. It should feel like the world is ending. You know, Cult of Luna style. I believe being a one-man project, probably with significant logistical constraints, has made Despaire sound smaller and simpler than it should. Also, at least one heavier track in the middle would do wonders for the album’s pacing. Still, there’s talent here, people!
I didn’t know a thing about Torii before today, other than that he has a good promoter. Someone get this man a label so we can hear an even more ambitious take on this formula. The songwriting is interesting, and the production is organic. The only things missing are a few more details (and probably some money!). If you’re sad and edgy, then get your hands on Despaire sooner rather than later.
Label: Independent
Release date: December 18th, 2026
Website: https://torii.bandcamp.com/track/despaire-2
Country: USA
Score: 3.3/5.0
