CD REVIEW

SKULLKIN

SOUTH INFLICTING TORMENT

REVIEWED ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 13^TH 2006 (HOW FITTING!)

I know that Halloween has come and gone but you can celebrate Horror-Culture all year long with the guys from Skullkin. This week I checked out the Murfreesboro-based band’s release “South Inflicting Torment”. These guys have been at it for quite a while. Here’s my take on the tracks.

Grotacious Dismemberment:

The CD kicks off with a strange spoken word intro leading into a very sludgy guitar riff performed by singer/guitarist, Mike Laster. Drummer, Josh Cope makes his presence known very quickly, crashing out of the gate with some serious double bass drum work. Bassist, Chris Tyler locks in very well with Cope to provide a formidable rhythm section. Featuring very angry lyrics, ‘Grotacious Dismemberment’ is a cool straightforward rock/metal song that has a dark edge. It almost sounds like Black Sabbath decided to record a horror movie soundtrack.

Single Shot:

Track 2, ‘Single Shot’ begins with a sampled spoken word intro featuring a man saying something about a sniper shooting. Sounds almost like police report. This leads to what I can only describe as a “yo-yo” lead guitar part on top of a drum roll. After that, a cool dragging riff blows up into a full-on auditory assault. Drummer Cope takes the song to a new level with one of the best drum fills that I’ve heard in a while before the first verse. The vocals, while oddly-produced, are harsh and aggressive. The tempo shifts in the song are cool but it feels like something is missing. They just don’t flow very well. The song ends with the same “yo-yo” guitar part. I liked that.

Singer/Guitarist Mike Laster

Silver Spoon:

Skullkin breaks into ‘Silver Spoon’ on track 3. This song features lots of dramatic changes (which flow well, by the way) and a HUGE up-tempo drum sound at the beginning of the song. The guitar riff is cool but seems a bit drowned out by the drumming. Singer, Laster, displays some powerful aggression on the vocal track.

Skeleton White:

‘Skeleton White’ is a very cool song. The jazzy intro is a nice touch and the main riff is very catchy. I, especially, enjoyed the short lead part in the song. The vocal sounds poorly produced in this track. ‘Skeleton White’ sounds like a combination of song ideas but it still works well.

Bassist, Chris Tyler

Bleeding the Infant:

Boy, did the title of this song scare me! I’m a father of three and it really grabbed my attention. But, that’s probably the point. The beginning of the song is a bit slow but picks up midway and comes to life with snappy drumming from Josh Cope and a nice lead guitar part by Laster. The double bass syncopated with the bass/guitar riffs is very impressive. In fact, I think it’s the best musical stretch on this CD by far!

Machine Warfare:

Track 6 on “South Inflicting Torment” is entitled ‘Machine Warfare’. While displaying tight drumming by Cope and some good low-end bass by Tyler, this track seems more like filler to me. The up-tempo drumbeat is beginning to become predictable at this point.

Illustrated Murder:

Skullkin rock on track 8 with ‘Illustrated Murder’. This tune features frantic drumming by Cope, some great riffing by Laster and bassist, Tyler is locked in well with the guitar riffs. I want to take a moment to say that drummer, Josh Cope, has truly impressed me on this CD. His chops are unbelievable!

Drummer, Josh Cope

Diary of Jack:

The CD officially ends with ‘Diary of Jack’, a track about historical serial killer Jack The Ripper. The lyrics are clever and the torturous lead intro features excellent rhythm playing by the bassist and drummer. Featuring a neat off-beat hi-hat section and strong mix of old-school riffs with modern technique, ‘Diary of Jack’ is my favorite song overall on this CD.

Hidden Track:

There’s one on here but I’m not gonna give away the surprise. You will laugh though!

Overall Impressions:

Being a big fan of theatrical rock, I can appreciate what Skullkin are doing. It’s nice to see musicians that are willing to put the time and effort in to create an audio AS WELL as a visual element to their persona. While there are some things that I would change, I plan to listen to this CD numerous times and you can look for a live review of these guys in the future here at Uncle Daddy’s Smoke Shack. Until then, see them for yourself at The Gibson Showcase this Saturday, January 14th.  Later!

That’ll do it for this time. Until Next Time, I’m out like TennCare.

Chris “Uncle Daddy Longlegs” Czynszak

To reach Chris Czynszak, e-mail at:

cczynszak@nashvillerock.net