heavy-metal-darkness: Torture Hammer | Torture Hammer

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Torture Hammer | Torture Hammer | Creator-Destructor Records

Release Date: October 24th, 2025

Format: 12” Vinyl, CD, Digital

Genre: Death Metal

Country: USA

Born in Santa Cruz, California, Torture Hammer emerged in 2024 with their debut EP “Dormant Horror”, a savage introduction that combined the energy of raw death metal with street-level aggression. Initially a duo formed by vocalist Peter Pawlak and guitarist Sean Collins, the project has now evolved into a full unit with drummer Max Mahmood (Iron Front, Manos De Fierro) and bassist Amir Sahabi (Caveman). This new lineup gives the band extra punch and cohesion, pushing their sound to new levels of brutality on their self-titled second EP, “Torture Hammer.”

This release is a direct hit to the skull, six tracks of pit-ready death metal that show zero hesitation. The production, handled by Charles Toshio at Panda Studios, captures the band’s ferocity with a raw and physical sound. Every riff lands like a strike, drums pound with relentless speed, and Pawlak’s growls command the attack with rabid intensity. It’s the kind of record that feels made for small venues drenched in sweat and chaos.

“Torture Hammer” stands firmly within the tradition of American death metal, echoing the ugliness and street brawl spirit of bands like Cannibal Corpse and Skinless, while keeping its own rough-edged identity. The songwriting is compact and savage, giving no time for hesitation or filler. Each track hits, rages, and exits before you can catch your breath. The title track acts as the center of this storm, with crushing riffs and breakdowns that could flatten a live audience.

What makes this EP effective is its honesty. Torture Hammer doesn’t pretend to be anything other than a death metal band driven by aggression and adrenaline. There’s no pretension, no wasted motion, just straight violence in musical form. It’s not an EP designed for innovation, but for impact, and in that regard, it fully succeeds. If you’re into death metal that drips with old-school hostility and modern muscle, “Torture Hammer” deserves a spin at maximum volume. It’s the sound of a young band sharpening their tools and proving they belong among the heavy hitters.

Score: 7.5