Gazing at Medusa

Gazing at Medusa is the tenth studio album by Christian metal band Tourniquet, and is also their last album, with the death of bandleader Ted Kirkpatrick On August 19th, 2022 from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis ending the band. It was produced by Kirkpatrick, and features guests Chris Poland (Megadeth), Tim "Ripper" Owens (Judas Priest, Iced Earth), and Deen Castronovo (Journey, Ozzy Osbourne).

Critical reception

HM Magazine said of the album, "Gazing At Medusa should by all rights (looking at the cover and the song titles) be an absolutely scorching listen beginning to end. No doubt, things start out well with 'Sinister Scherzo'—trademark Tourniquet riffs, classical influence and biting lyrics. Similarly, the closing title track is quite spectacular, those Deen Castronovo vocals stellar. But solid bookends don’t necessarily make for a great read. Sadly, from a musical standpoint, this is one of the weakest of all of the Tourniquet releases. It’s hard to put words as to why these songs just don’t jump out of the speakers and capture my unrelenting attention." Metal Archives said, "This opus shows the guys taking their art seriously once again by restoring the staple Tourniquet style, categorically winning the staring contest with the pernicious Medusa. There are more battles to be fought, that’s for sure, but there’s no fear...it’s really comforting to know that most of the stars on the metal show are always ready to lend you a hand/arm/voice if need arises." Metal Gods said, "the guitar work on this album is superb. Plenty of NWOBHM inspired buzz sounding riffs, as well as the screeching and screaming you more associate with thrash, and of course the long passages synonymous with the progressive genre of metal—Overall, thrash, progressive, NWOBHM and traditional heavy metal all come together, delivering a fierce rage of furious metal."

Track listing

Personnel

Tourniquet

• Ted Kirkpatrick – drums, production, bass, additional guitars
• Chris Poland — lead guitar
• Aaron Guerra — guitars, vocals
• Tim "Ripper" Owens — lead vocals

Additional Personnel

• Aaron Pace – mixing and mastering
• Jason Juta – album artwork
• Jonathan Guerra – spoken word ("All Good Things Died Here")
• Deen Castronovo – guest vocals ("Gazing at Medusa")

References