Crossbone Skully – Evil World Machine Review

The first aspect of note with this album is the cover artwork. The front depicts the character Crossbone Skully who strikes a resemblance to Iron Maiden’s Eddie in style which is unsurprising considering it was penned by artist Mark Wilkinson.

 

This album is a concept album devised by Tommy Henriksen, Tommy Denander and executive producer Mutt Lange. The album is clearly influenced by bands AC/DC, Alice Cooper, KISS, Iron Maiden and even the Sex Pistols. Henrikson is well known in the industry having been a guitarist/bassist for many projects including Alice Cooper and Hollywood Vampires and he has used his friendships with features of several big-name artists such as Motley Crue’s Nikki Sixx and Def Leppard’s Phil Collen among others.

 

To date 6 of the 13 tracks have been released as singles with “The Boom Went the Boom” being the most popular on streaming platforms. Several of the tracks such as “High on You” and “The Boom Went the Boom” are accompanied by music videos.

With vocals reminiscent of the late Bon Scott, Henrikson takes leave from his usual string responsibilities to be front and centre in this album showcasing his vocal talents.

After a brief speaking introduction opening title track “Evil World Machine” is clearly AC/DC influenced and sounds very much like an Airbourne track with that class rock feel and catchy guitar riffs. The classic rock feel continues into second track “The Boom Went the Boom” which is further emphasised by featured artist Phil Collen and this combined with Lange’s production is similar to the work of Def Leppard. The overall sound of the whole album is that of 80s rock with every aspect of the genre being present throughout the tracks on the album and it very much takes you down memory lane. Interweaved through the album are tracks that develop the character of Crossbone Skully these include “I am the Wolf”, “I’m Unbreakable”, “Flip the Bird” and “The Sin Eater” are all about Skully’s mission to save the universe or doom it in the process. Various speaking parts are heard throughout the record and these are provided by big names starts such as Hollywood Vampires bandmates Joe Perry as “Big Bad Bone Crusher”, Johnny Depp as the voice of “The Sorcerer”, Alice Cooper as “The Bringer of Light”, Kane Roberts as “Alpha Watchman” and Nikki Sixx as “The Crooked Crow”.

 

When asked about the project Henrikson explained, “The greatest thing about this is having the freedom to express my own feelings and thoughts” he says “I want to inspire people with this story to never give up their dreams. I wanted to be a rock star at 20, but it didn’t work out that way. I had to figure out how to make a living playing music instead of digging ditches. Music saved my life. Without it, I’d be dead or in jail. I’ve already won without having sold a single record. I got to work with the greatest producer who ever lived”.

 

Overall Henrikson has pulled in heavy weight help to make this album, even pulling Lange out of retirement to give the overall classic rock feel. For fans of 80s rock this offering is definitely for you.

 

Written by: Dave Martin

Ratings: 9/10

Editors Pick