US old school Death Metal titans SKELETAL REMAINS are back with their fourth full length album. Set for release via Century Media Records on September 11th.
Cosmic ambience sets the album off to an eerie and rather tranquil start with a strong Sci-Fi vibe to it, certainly adding to the old school feel that Skeletal Remains have built a reputation for nailing. The excitement for what lies ahead is tangible. A blistering cavern of riffs and tight drum work blasts into fruition with gloriously 90s production delivering the carnage, this is going to be a ripper. The snarl of visceral instrumentals builds for the gut-rupturing vocal performance to join, conjuring a vile apparition of morbidity with their sonic firestorm of total decay. Upping the ante with utterly insane speed and crushing songwriting, the growth of the record feels like something from back in the day very early on. This said, Skeletal Remains do not offer some mere tribute, they are the real deal.
Pungent riffs and hammered drums entwine the scathing vocals and are spaced out by melodically furious soloing to concoct some of the most violently memorable ideas from the band to date. Their previous record “Devouring Mortality” received huge acclaim from critics and fans alike, both mainstream and underground, for good reason. This record steps things up as a juggernaut of total barbarism, with tight and skilful musicianship to deliver a primal onslaught with technical proficiency. It may seem I am speaking in oxymoron, but the diverse range of skull-cracking headbanger fuel and precision based drive balances so well to create something both musically impeccable but that also has “the feel” too.
Scolding us with a savage performance that harkens back to bands like Death, Pestilence and Massacre, there is no denying the passionate flame Skeletal Remains have for the old school way. The ability to add their own spin to a classic sound is utilised to its full extent on this record which feels like they have really found their identity, more so than ever. This may be due to a total overhaul of the lineup aside from Chris rekindling the drive to forge onwards, or perhaps just the relentless practice of recording and touring. Either way, things are certainly moving in the right direction. There is not a moment that feels misplaced or faltering, with utter drive and conviction backing up the restlessly evolving insanity that is heard, certainly not a dull moment in sight.
This monolithic monster of mighty Metal mania is one that shows hope for the future of Death Metal not losing touch with its roots nor becoming stagnant. Technical, brutal and yet never pretentious of meandering. Skeletal Remains have delivered the kind of Death Metal with unrelenting bite that is unashamed to use their musical prowess to their advantage. While I am certain you do not need telling, do not miss out on this if you love your Death Metal. A marvellous step up from an already killer band. -8.5/10
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