ALBUM REVIEW: Skull Fist – Paid In Full

Canadian Speed Metallers SKULL FIST are back with their heavily anticipated new album. Out now via Atomic Fire Records.

A short sample opens the record before pounding drums back up a barrage of sleazy riffing and chunky bass lines. The epic grooves are met with scathing leads and huge, powerful vocals to give the songs an instantly anthemic feeling. With a superb production and killer songwriting, these guys bring back the old school 80s vibes but with a modern twist on this record that can be noted due to its clarity without polishing away any character. Much in the ways of old, the duelling guitars are a mainstay that the muic centres around, something to be glad of as they are truly killer. The way they dance around the bass and drums very punchy attack is absolutely vital to the sound while the vocals soar with a certainty that cannot be undermined. The first couple of tracks definitely come in with strength, let us hope momentum remains so strong for the duration.

Shredding and ripping through a blistering array of songs, Skull Fist seem to be at the top of their game. “Heavier Than Metal” (the title track appearing towards the end in re-recorded splendour) was a bit of a cult gem and then the albums seemed to divide people in a “love ’em of hate ’em” type of split, but it just seems everything has fuelled the fires to deliver a truly scorching album that shows them at their strongest. Tracks like “Crush, Kill, Destroy” do exactly what they say on the tin, delivering anthems of Metal might with earth-splitting pummels. There is obvious, and likely intentional, clichés abound but that applies to the grand majority of NWOTHM bands and personally is a pro, not a con for me. What cannot be disputed is the sheer skill and head-splitting ferocity that delivers it. This is some of the most energised and tight musicianship from the band is magnificent to behold.

Fearsome, fun and ferociously hard-hitting, Skull Fist deliver some of their best music to date. Riff and shred driven Metal supported by massive rhythm sections and glacier-cracking vocals, their sound is piercing, refined and classic. This is definitely going to be the soundtrack to much debauchery, seemingly made with a purpose that cannot be ignored.