Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
Maze Of Torment
Title
Hammers Of Mayhem
Type
LP/EP
Company
Black Lodge
YOR
2004
Style
Death
3/17/2005 - Review by: Gregory Maupin
Maze Of Torment - Hammers Of Mayhem - 2004 - Black Lodge Records

Track Listing
1 Beyond The Infernal Gates
2 F.O.E. (Face of Evil)
3 Hammers of Mayhem
4 Dead Cold Blood
5 Servants of Menace
6 Into The Bloodswarm
7 Tyrannizer
8 The Dead Temple Prayer
9 Dead Soul
10 Catharsis
11 In League With Satan (Venom-cover)
Maze of Torment is a death/thrash entity that hails from Sweden. Upon reading their bio I was quickly amazed at the hardships and total disrespect they have received from various record labels. “Hammers of Mayhem” is the 5th release from this talented horde that strikes with true metal might. Although new to my ears, the band’s history can be traced back to 1992. The band’s name was changed from "Harmony" to "Torment" in 1995. Because of a dispute over the right for the name they became Maze of Torment in 1996. Released in 2004 on Black Lodge record label, “Hammers of Mayhem” is the fifth release on as many labels for this Swedish underground band.

“Beyond the Infernal Gates” is the opening track to “Hammers of Mayhem”. Without warning the song strikes with a swift kick to the groin and never lets up. Upon my first listen, I immediately thought of great bands such as Sadus and Defleshed. After multiple listens I could hear influences by old school greats such as Venom and Kreator seeping out of my speakers. The music is fast and furious with guitar riffs that drip with hate and torment. Guitarist Pete Flesh’s shredding lead guitar work is complex with descending runs and melodies that will lead you to the very depths of a blackened soul. The drums are tight and fast. Drummer Kjell Enblom executes excellent double bass work that is placed in just the right spots and he can blast beat or groove with the best of today’s top metal drummers. The vocals have an aggressive, blackish tone with hints of Kreator and classic Venom. The vocals are very hateful and one can just feel the intensity of the rage brewing inside singer Erik Sahlström. Erik could scream for a Black Metal, Death Metal or Thrash band. I hear tones of all three genres in his voice. From start to finish this is a very strong release that ends with a crushing cover of “In League with Satan”.

This is about as metal as it gets but the line up has changed since the release of "Hammers of Mayhem”. Guitarist Pete Flesh and Bassist Kalle Sjödin have left the band. According to the official website “The new members are Viktor Hemgren (also in Lucien, ex Mårnegarm, ex Sorg), Rickard Dahlin (ex Sorg) and Cloffe Caspersson (known from Stockholms only rock radio station 106, 7 Rock Klassiker).” If you are a fan of bands such as Sadus, Kreator, Defleshed and old Slayer then by all means get your metal fist pumping and raise your horns to this fine metal release. All hail the Maze of Torment!!! They are a force to be reckoned with.


--Gregory 03.14.05
  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    N/A :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: MAZE OF TORMENT
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
Hammers Of Mayhem
2004
Black Lodge
Gregory Maupin3/17/2005
-

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: MAZE OF TORMENT
INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE


<< back >>