Death Metal
Independent Release
Released – July 3rd 2024
Line Up:
Andreas Ibitz – Vocals
Christian Bukovac – Lead Guitar
Thomas Stock – Rhythm Guitar
Mattias Fibrich – Bass/Backing Vocals
Wolfgang Rathgeb – Drums
Tracklist:
1 – The Nil
2 – Crimson
3 – The Blade
4 – Prelude To Abyss
With a name like Skull Crusher, I wasn’t expecting schmaltzy ballads—oh no! They are, in fact, an Austrian Death Metal five-piece who ran from 1991 until they split in 2000 after releasing three demos and two full-length albums. They returned with a single in 2018 and an EP in 2020 called Messiah, which is the first part of a trilogy of EPs, with this being the second. The third installment, Abyss, is set to be released at an unknown date. The full title of the trilogy is actually From Messiah into The Nil till the Abyss.
I was expecting a full-on death metal onslaught for the opening title track, but it’s very melodic—until Andreas Ibitz opens his gob, and that’s where the DM comes in. The same goes for Crimson, with some lively harmony guitars and a punchy rhythm section before they step on the gas, and we get a good old-fashioned pummeling. Then, some real technical stuff starts in The Blade before it settles down into a nasty, creepy groove with Christian Bukovac showing his chops. Then it just flies off with Wolfgang Rathgeb hammering away at his kit. Prelude To Abyss gets even creepier with some shimmering guitars and a dark bassline. They groove on this for a bit before the double kick comes in, and we get another fine harmony line from the guitars. Then Ibitz gets nasty with a different side to his voice. If you want something to scare the kids with, then play them this!
Oh yes, some fine death metal that incorporates the old school, some technical stuff, and some new stuff too, making it sound as fresh as a daisy. I haven’t heard the first installment, but I will soon, and I’m really interested to hear what the third part will be like. I’m hooked!
Written by: Smudge
Ratings: 8/10
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