The Tourniquet Ark – Onward to Freedom (2014)

Review by Stephen Gould

I was new to this band so was maybe a bit apprehensive on what to expect…

So, here goes. I’ll start by giving you a brief overview of the band. They have been around since 1989 and are a trio of Christian rockers from the good ol’ US and A. They are a three-piece (Bass, Guitar, Drums) and although the band have been thru’ a number of line-up changes since their inception, the main guy behind the band is Ted Kirkpatrick, who also happens to be the drummer and main songwriter !!

Rather than look at this album on a track-by-track basis, I’ll give you a general overview with references to certain tracks to maybe emphasise a point.

This is a very “interesting” album.

Although dubbed Thrash Metal, I can’t verify this as I have not listened to their earlier albums. I certainly didn’t feel this is a Thrash Metal band based on the music on this album at least. Maybe like so many bands of late, they feel they need a change of direction and musical style, there are certainly a number of styles represented here. To add to the variety, the band have employed the talents of other vocalists like Dug Pinnick from King’s X (No Soul). In fact, listening to the album one could almost think this is a sampler as each track is different – different vocalists, different styles. Case in point – “Stereotaxic Atrocities” could have been lifted of an Alice Cooper album (with suitable Alice style vocals to suit)

There are three small instrumental tracks which act as links, there is heavy emphasis on keyboards here, classical piano the whole shebang, totally out of context with the rest of the album. In fact, the first track “Onward to Freedom Prelude” segues into the title track and totally takes you by surprise, from classical to Growl Rock in a matter of seconds, it certainly grabs your attention.

I do wonder if there’s a “concept” threading it all together as there are two tracks (Cage 23 and The Noble Case for Mercy) which feature lengthy monologues on the way animals are treated around the World, in captivity and otherwise and the lyrical content echoes this. The band very clearly have strong feelings about our furry friends and, I suspect, the state of the World in general. It is here where their Christian roots shine thru’ – a caring metal band !!!

I guarantee you will not be bored listening to this, their latest release, but be prepared as some of the tracks sound like they’ve been lifted off the latest Alanis Morrissette album maybe…( a bit twee for me)

Excellent musicianship throughout, quality production and plenty to get your teeth into. I suspect their will be more than a few tracks you will return to, but be prepared for a bit of schmaltz too…..

Not a classic, but well worth checking out.