The album name is ironic, here, because listening to TOXIC TRACE's new album is anything but "Torment". In fact, this crusty old Thrashard enjoys it quite a bit. The album is made up of super-fast, super-thin thrash that does not let up for nine tracks and 34 minutes. Think early DEATH stuffed in a bloody blender with a young SEPULTURA and you are in the right ballpark.

All the tracks on "Torment" are in the three to four minute range, so they are fully developed even though they all seem to flash by like lightning. It often seems as if the drummer just can't slow down. Even mid-paced intros frequently give way to speed metal verses and blistering choruses.

Lyrically, the band seems to be a bit hung up on religion and Satanism. The songs include colorful titles such as "Witch from Hell", "Religion is Slavery", "Against the Cross" and "The Antichrist". And before you ask - no, that's not a SLAYER cover.

It has been a while since I've heard a Thrash album this basic, honest and beautiful. TOXIC TRACE is at their best when they boost their speeds to barely believable, and thankfully, that's the band's preferred tempo. Speed Metal lovers take note: This young Serbian band is definitely a group to watch, and there are even rumors of a new EP.