69 Chambers – Torque (2012)

“Torque” is the second album from Swiss female fronted outfit 69 Chambers, following their 2009 debut “War On The Inside”. Since then, bass player Maddy Madarasz has departed, front women Nina has moved from guitar to bass duties, and Nina’s husband Tommy Vetterli (Coroner) has come in on guitar.

Don’t let all the personnel changes worry you. This is a band with a fantastically tight, confident sound that explores numerous avenues from death metal to modern pop to hard rock to whimsical folk. It’s one of the most complex yet satisfyingly accessible albums I’ve heard in a long time, and really demonstrates what a vocal talent Nina is. One minute she sounds almost as gnarly as Angela Gossow (Arch Enemy), the next she’s a dead ringer for Adele or Tori Amos.

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