The group performed a highly progressive style of thrash and speed metal, informed by Kirkpatrick's love of classical music.

In the 2000s, the band returned to its thrash metal origins and released Microscopic View of a Telescopic Realm in 2000 and Where Moth and Rust Destroy in 2003.

Kirkpatrick endorsed DW drums, Evans drumheads, Paiste cymbals, Vic Firth sticks as well as Orange guitar amplifiers.

As principal lyricist for the band, Kirkpatrick's talent for allegory, symbolism, and using unusual and sometimes bizarre examples to convey Christian concepts can be found throughout the Tourniquet catalog.

In terms of rock drumming, Kirkpatrick cited his main influences as Simon Phillips, Carl Palmer and Neil Peart.