Sadly enough I missed their debut 'Kiss of the Thorn', but after listening to this second album I will certainly be looking for it. Rick Black, the singer of the band is the leading card for this band. With his high/low 6 octave vocal range he is responsible for a more unique sound. That the man has black-metal roots can be found in the lyrics.

Surrounded by excellent musicians that create a sound that is a kind of mix between Mercyful Fate, Judas Priest and Black Sabbath. Mercyful Fate haunting melodies combined with the speed of Priest and the doomy kind of atmosphere of Black Sabbath. With the high/low vocal combination there is a big resemblance with singer King Diamond (just listen to "Rust"). The record breaths an 80's atmosphere firmly standing with both feet in today's soil. There will be listeners that have problems with the high vocals I guess, but that is a matter of taste. The songs have powerful riffs and nice twin solos. The drums are very tight and hammer it all nicely together.

A Tortured Soul has made an album that will be liked by a lot of Mercyful Fate and King Diamond fans I think. I experienced lots of fun and pleasure while listening to this album and it is one of the surprises of this year so far. Check them out, you will not regret it!