Don’t stare too long into the evil eyes of Torena, for they are not here to mess around. As one of the newest additions to the Daze Records family, they’ve earned their spot, and for good reason. From the very first listen of this EP, there’s something that stands out immediately: the production and mixing. It’s crystal clear but not overdone. It has that raw, live-band feel, as if the group came together in one room, jamming and recording their energy right there. There’s a real sense of cohesion in how it all comes together.
The guitars have a quiet dynamism to them that complements the overall sound. They don’t overpower, but they’re intricate when they need to be and carry the weight of the tracks. The drums are punchy and precise, injecting energy into every moment, while the bass steps in at just the right times, giving the music depth without drawing too much attention to itself. The vocals, too, are solid, with enough grit and range to match the intensity of the music.
The overall feel of the EP is good, leaning towards solid. It doesn’t hit you over the head right away, but the more you listen, the more it grows on you. By the time you reach the second half of the EP, things really start to click. The latter tracks have a stronger presence, with the band tightening up and finding a groove that resonates deeper. The first half might feel like it’s just warming up, but by the end, you’re left wanting more.
The only real downside here is the brevity of the EP. The tracklisting is quite short, and by the end, you’re left feeling like you’ve barely scratched the surface of what Torena is all about. You can hear the potential, but it leaves you wanting to dive deeper into their sound. I feel like I need more material to really get a better sense of who these guys are and what they’re capable of. They’ve got a strong foundation, but I’m hoping they give us more to really solidify their place in the scene.
RATING: 7/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
Slave No More
Trigger