TOURNIQUET - PSYCHOSURGERY - 1991

The progression from the 1990 debut “Stop The Bleeding” to the 1993 excursion “Pathogenic Ocular Dissonance” is quite evident. And as one may guess, “PsychoSurgery” served as both an awkward transition between its two bookends as well as the runt of TOURNIQUET’s early days. For the most part, gone are Ritter’s banshee-esque cries, though there’s an overall quirkiness here that cannot be denied. I know that this album is often overlooked, but to a certain extent I believe it deserves to be. In essence, it hasn’t aged gracefully.

While the Thrash approach remains intact – and would on the monumental follow-up – there’s a bevy of strange interjections, which lessen the record’s impact. Thankfully, the title track is a solid outing, but is superseded by “A Dog’s Breakfast.” Now, the latter commences stylishly, though once the lyrical dam breaks, I’m irked by the rhetoric. TOURNIQUET are Christians – I have no qualms with that. Still, I prefer lyrics that aren’t noticeably rife with diatribes and proselytizing. Oh and while we’re on the subject, I could do without the ubiquitous medical references too. At any rate, “Viento Borrascoso (Devastating Wind)” is a phenomenal instrumental, while “Spineless” is perhaps the opposite. Intertwining old-school Rap and Thrash doesn’t result in the best concoction and the mishmash is even kind of embarrassing.

Moving on from the low point, though, “Stereotaxic Atrocities” has great riffs and leads in place and its predecessors, “Dysfunctional Domicile” and “Broken Chromosomes,” each have their fair share of lustrous moments. However, I’ve never liked Ritter’s random switches from ghoulish vocals to garbled ones. I was very relieved when he found his vocal niche on 1993’s “Pathogenic Ocular Dissonance.” The live bonus tracks aren’t special in any respect, especially considering that by 2000, the “PsychoSurgery” line-up was dead and gone. Well, figuratively speaking. I suppose I’ve just never really fancied live adaptations. And as far as I’m concerned, the demos actually warrant inclusion, illustrating the concept of “bonus track” accurately.

While “PsychoSurgery” has numerous blemishes on its collective face, I must admit that I have nostalgia for it. Of TOURNIQUET’s beginnings, however, one should undoubtedly reach for “Pathogenic Ocular Dissonance.” Even though this is probably superior to “Stop The Bleeding,” it’s not as memorable, which makes it forgettable since it’s sandwiched between two unmistakable records. They say that classic albums are timeless and this one is not. Fanatics are advised to have a go, but all others should be wary of the dated sounds beneath the jewel case cover. Some of them work and some of them don’t. Just like your unemployed uncle. (Online March 4, 2006)
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