Skulgrinder Island Of Lost Souls
KM Records 2005
By Russell Garwood
Its kinda ironic that Im reviewing this CD just after seeing Sin City. You see, Island Of Lost Souls is a concept album in which each song represents a different character living in a decaying city. The release conjures similar gritty images of extreme violence and corrosion of morals as Rodriguezs cartoon adaptation; an unusual and successful concept. The band cite Sabbath, Priest, Metallica and Maiden as their main influences, and this provides a good description of their brand of retro metal. Clean vocals are not ear shatteringly high, instead opting for a slightly lower register of singing, which is a pleasant change. Well performed, these at times provide catchy hooks, while at others are less memorable. The guitars, courtesy of virtuoso Michael Knight, are tight and melodic, occasional solos prove technically impressive, while they often carry enough of a tune to keep the songs going (as necessary with this style). Solid drumming and powerful bass complete the sound, with occasional more adventurous moments from both providing refreshing variety.
Top-notch production and nice artwork finishes this all off nicely. Skulgrinder are clearly talented musicians, yet they can feel formulaic at times, and their music is nothing you havent heard many times before. This said, the well thought out and fantastically executed concept behind Island Of Lost Souls really makes this album for me. The strong imagery and unavoidable atmosphere really set them apart from their contemporaries. Well worth checking out for power/traditional metal fans, and a very promising debut.
7/10
Official KM Records website
Online ordering of Island Of Lost Souls
KM Records 2005
By Russell Garwood
Its kinda ironic that Im reviewing this CD just after seeing Sin City. You see, Island Of Lost Souls is a concept album in which each song represents a different character living in a decaying city. The release conjures similar gritty images of extreme violence and corrosion of morals as Rodriguezs cartoon adaptation; an unusual and successful concept. The band cite Sabbath, Priest, Metallica and Maiden as their main influences, and this provides a good description of their brand of retro metal. Clean vocals are not ear shatteringly high, instead opting for a slightly lower register of singing, which is a pleasant change. Well performed, these at times provide catchy hooks, while at others are less memorable. The guitars, courtesy of virtuoso Michael Knight, are tight and melodic, occasional solos prove technically impressive, while they often carry enough of a tune to keep the songs going (as necessary with this style). Solid drumming and powerful bass complete the sound, with occasional more adventurous moments from both providing refreshing variety.
Top-notch production and nice artwork finishes this all off nicely. Skulgrinder are clearly talented musicians, yet they can feel formulaic at times, and their music is nothing you havent heard many times before. This said, the well thought out and fantastically executed concept behind Island Of Lost Souls really makes this album for me. The strong imagery and unavoidable atmosphere really set them apart from their contemporaries. Well worth checking out for power/traditional metal fans, and a very promising debut.
7/10
Official KM Records website
Online ordering of Island Of Lost Souls
