1. Besprinkled in Scarlet Horror 2. Drinking from the Poisoned Well 3. Microscopic View of a Telescopic Realm 4. Tomb of Gilgamesh 5. Servant of the Bones 6. Erratic Palpitations of the Human Spirit 7. Martyr's Pose 8. Immunity Vector 9. Indulgence by Proxy 10. Caixa de Raiva 11. Skeezix Dilemma, Pt. 2 (The Imporbable Testimong of the Pipsisewah)
Well, I grew up with this band, so I really enjoy this band. I would have to say that I like this CD the best followed closely by Crawl to China and Vanishing lessons.
Everyone comments on the lyrics being awesome, and I have to say that they are really quite fantastic. They are intelligent, complex, and hold lessons that are amazing. I didn't quite understand these lessons when I was a child, which is when I started listening to this band, but now I do. Let me tell you, these lyrics are like a ray of light in this crappy world with songs like bearing gruesome cargo, pecking order, etc. which adress common problems. This band not only adresses common problems, but goes slightly more specific and into things that are less known, such was with animal abuse, etc. Not only are the lyrics of the songs amazing, but all the covers tell a story or all resemble something in the world, especially for this CD. And not only all that but all the stories behind the skeezix, phantom limb, vanishing lessons, Claustropelunker, and the tell-tale heart were interesting and I knew nothing about any of these until I listened to this band and looked into these stories.
But really, I don't listen to music for lyrics, as I would have to find jewels like this band to really hear something unique and keep me interested, which is near impossible. The music that Tourniquet produces is awesome. Its complex, intersting, beautiful, intense like in besprinkled in scarlet horror (which is my favorite song on this CD) and catchy. Can't get much better than that. I've moved on to heavier stuff, much much heavier stuff, but for Christian bands, this is the best lyrically and third best musically. I like August Burns Red and Horde better, which are both Christian bands that have great lyrics too, you should check those two out, but it may be to heavy for you :P
Well, all in all, this band is awesome musically and especially lyrically. I've never any lyrics like these, and anything that sort of resembles this is no where near as good in any way. With that being said, I now say buy their CD's. And If you have gotten your fill from this band, then look into bands like Echo Hollow and cripple need cain, which are from band members from tourniquet. cheers.
Tourniquet for the New Millennium Submitted on: 2005-12-04
This is my favorite Tourniquet recording next to their first one STOP THE BLEEDING which had a different (better) singer.
Tourniquet is a metal band that possesses their own unique sound, but if backed against a wall I'd describe them as a rough hybrid of Iron Maiden, Mercyful Fate/King Diamond and Slayer.
Although they're a very different band on this 2000 recording than they were in 1990 when they released STOP THE BLEEDING -- Ted Kirkpatrick being the sole original member -- this CD still possesses that unmistakable Tourniquet vibe, which proves that Kirkpatrick was/is the nucleus of the band (i.e. the most influential member).
The vocalist, Luke Christmas -- whoops, I'm sorry, Luke Easter -- pales in comparison to original vocalist Guy Ritter, who was on the same level as, say, King Diamond. Amazingly, Luke's been with the group since 1994! In all honesty his vocals aren't very impressive. He's merely an average gruff vocalist (at best) but makes up for it with his attempts to be diverse rather than one-dimensional, like too many gruff-styled vocalists. In other words, he doesn't "sing" the same way every stanza of every song. I also like the fact that he throws in some actual singing here and there. Let's give him credit where credit's due.
Yet, he stands in the shadow of Guy Ritter, a great metal vocalist. Unlike Guy, Luke is unable to make the songs SOAR, which is what a vocalist is supposed to do. Don't get me wrong, he's okay, he gets the job done -- and I was able to adjust and appreciate the songs here (although it wasn't easy) -- but that's about it.
As to the actual songs on this cd: They're all long, untraditionally structured and labyrinthian in scope (think Metallica's "And Justice for All"). The first time you hear the album you'll lose your way; this is without a doubt thinking man's metal. Yet repeat hearings will slowly unveil hidden gems spiced throughout; the 'chorus' of "The Tomb of Gilgamesh" comes to mind.
As for the drumming, anyone who know's anything about Tourniquet knows that Kirkpatrick's drum-playing ranks up there with the best of the metal genre. Whether you're a Christian, Atheist, Sciencefictiontologist or Hindu, you need to do yourself a favor and expose yourself to this man's incredible talent!
As long as you can adjust to Luke Easter's vocals this is a quality metal album and one of Tourniquet's best after STOP THE BLEEDING.
Tourniquet-'Microscopic View Of Telescopic Realm'(Metal Blade) Submitted on: 2005-10-07
Awhile back,I thought there were MAYBE two different bands that had the same name,Tourniquet.After digging this CD up and going online,I can easily see now that there is just this one.Didn't realize the L.A. Christian metal ensemble had so may releases out.The eleven cuts here seem to have plenty of well played guitar riffs.Haven't heard that many 'metal' bands like this one.Tracks that make this disc worth repeated plays are "Drinking From The Poisoned Well","Servant Of The Bones","Martyr's Pose" and "Immunity Vector".Basically,just good thinking man's metal.You know,a band with something to say.Line-up:Luke Easter-vocals,Aaron Guerra-guitar,bass&vocals,Cameron Stone-cello,Jennifer Hall-flute and Ted Kirkpatrick-drums.Might possibly appeal to fans of Fates Warning,Nuclear Assault,Leatherwolf and Crimson Glory.
Tourniquet is a CLASS Act, Sharp, HIT THE ROAD Submitted on: 2005-01-25
I love this guy. I've just read all 17 of his reviews, and two are actually about something he likes. Well, go have a gander at my website you zero, you just made the news... On with the review.
Coming from a guy that owns the Rock Detector Encylopedia, I'm shocked and apalled Torniquet isn't in it. I guess they could be Thrash, but more likely they boarder on Progressive / Power. Oh, you know-it-all purists can hit the road with your technical info, especially Hellstar4... I could give a crap what your baseless knowledge has to say.
Telescopic View is a great find. Tourniquet expands their audience with a few new ideas. It's not the same old re-hashed 90's Tourniquet, but a new idea altogther. For one of the survivors of the fallen 90's Christian Metal scene, this is one of the better ones.
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Go on, sharp, go have a look... ZERO. It's under .12 Gauge....
Excuse me! Submitted on: 2004-08-06
Slayer and Metallica have nothing on this band! Tourniquet plays better faster and are far more technical than Slayer and Metallica. Don't even try to deny it! The drumming is extraordinary! The guitars are wonderful, and oh yeah, did I mention that the lyrics really don't force the bible down your throat? With Microscopic View of a Telescopic Realm, Tourniquet attempt to bring their message to a wider, more secular audience, in addition to their devoted following among fans of Christian heavy metal. Luckily, the band members are inventive enough musicians to make the record worth a listen even for the unconverted; although their primary focus is on melodic, neo-classical metal, there are also ample doses of more complicated progressive metal, as well as chaotic thrash riffing. Ok ok well just say it, this is a Speed Metal band. Oh boy do these guys freakin rule. You know a reviewer is biased if he simply rates Christian bands 1 simply because they believe something different than they do, and then tries to force his beliefs on us. A must buy!
awesome band
Tourniquet for the New Millennium