Gazing at Medusa


Gazing at Medusa is the tenth and final studio album by Christian metal band Tourniquet. It was produced by Ted Kirkpatrick, and features guests Chris Poland, Tim "Ripper" Owens, and Deen Castronovo. On August 19, 2022, Kirkpatrick died from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, effectively ending the band.

Critical reception

HM Magazine quoted, "Gazing At Medusa should be a scorching listen from beginning to end by all rights. No doubt, things start well with 'Sinister Scherzo'—trademark Tourniquet riffs, classical influence, and biting lyrics. Similarly, the closing title track is quite spectacular, those Deen Castronovo vocals are 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 the Tourniquet releases. It’s hard to put in words as to why these songs 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 comforting to know that most of the stars on the metal show are always ready to lend you a hand/arm/voice if the 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."

Personnel

;Tourniquet
;Additional Personnel