Welcome to the Taurean Empire; a decaying land where disease, war and corruption is rife. A wretched place of man and beast, where deception, fear and despair fills every dank alleyway and the stench of suffering drifts across endless, sun-scorched plains. As way of ensuring safe passage through this hellish hour, let us introduce your guides for the journey; four road-hardened mortals, brought together by luck, power and coincidence. Ladies and Gentlemen, take up arms and go safely as Age of Taurus show you a world inhabited by the Desperate Souls of Tortured Times?.

Formed in 2009 by vocalist/guitarist Toby Wright, Age of Taurus was initially a one-man doom metal mission. Inspired by masters of the craft like Candlemass, Trouble and Revelation, the project was intended more as a studio affair rather than something more alive. However, after increasing interest in the band and a succession of glowing reviews of debut demo 'In the Days of the Taurean Empire', Toby decided that there was no turning back and duly put together a fully working line up; enter bassist Richard Bruce, lead guitarist Alastair Riddell and drummer Darius Claydon.

The band quickly began writing together and started to develop and define a sound that suited their combined musical direction. With their feet still firmly planted in the doom metal field, the group were able to explore other paths of influence, particularly bass-driven seventies hard rock and the oh-so-punishing twin guitar attacks that ruled the speakers during NWOBHM's golden years.

Produced by Jaime Gomez Arellano (Angel Witch, Hexvessel, Ghost), 'Desperate Souls of Tortured Times' is a 42 minute collection of material written during their transition over the past three years. It's an unashamedly heavy voyage down a road less travelled, where each of the seven songs acts as a chapter from an altogether longer tale. Monstrous, mountain-shaking riffs are order of the day in the Empire, stepping aside only for Riddell's searing leads to take hold, whilst the lock-tight Bruce/Claydon rhythm section underpins all. Heading the charge from centre stage, Wright's lyrics act as a vivid narrative, painting pictures of ancient ritual and sprawling landscapes, somewhat reminiscent of Manilla Road and Brocas Helm in their prime. Some might assume that DSOTT is a concept album, however in reality, Age of Taurus is more like a 'concept band', intent on delivering undiluted and intriguing heavy metal to all that will listen.

So come one, come all and let your eyes and mind be open to a long-forgotten era; the Age of Taurus?.