Skeletonwitch (U.S.)

Skeletonwitch (U.S.): Forever Abomination (Prosthetic)

Skeletonwitch’s take on thrash has a little bit of a different angle, which is a plus for them. First, the use of some black metal guitar work here and there adds an element of variety to the thrash riffing and makes each song stand out a bit more. Just as important, and probably a bit more so, is the band’s use of black metal shrieked vocals. It adds a different feeling from the yelling of hardcore and thrash bands, like Municipal Waste, Lich King, Gamma Bomb, and New York hardcore bands. Of interest is also the fact that Skeletonwitch’s approach makes them accessible to the ear, despite the black metal vocals and “extreme metal” tag. The clarity of the guitar work, and the general memorability makes them a lot more “rocking” than you would expect. For example, heaviness and brutality are not the number one objective, but rather songs that thrash and that you can remember. The 32 minutes demonstrate very little to complain about, and lots to enjoy. Given that, personally, I usually get bored with “pure” thrash bands, I found Skeletonwitch “impure” thrash to be a cool listen and one that I have heard lots of times and it seems to get better every time. My only gripe with the album is that it is too clicky and a bit too perfect. The drums sound needs a bit more power, I think. Anyway, don’t dismiss Skeletonwitch as a just another thrash band. www.Skeletonwitch.com