Skull Fist - Heavier Than Metal EP

Release Date: March 1st, 2010
Label: Band Self Released

TRACK LISTING

1.  Sign of the Warrior
2.  Heavier Than Metal
3.  Blackout
4.  Ride the Beast
5.  No False Metal

Total playing time:  21:37

July 13, 2010

Reviewer: M.J.

“Chariots rippin through the Great Lakes!” Hmm… I don’t think I have ever heard that metaphor but that’s what Skull Fist’s myspace page says about their sound. The band is attempting to make that visual a reality with the release of their self financed five track EP, Heavier than Metal. Two songs from their 2006 demo have been reworked and appear here with three new songs. With any luck, this EP should create enough buzz to send the band “rippin” across the Great Lakes from their hometown of Toronto to rock out in the States and beyond.

Fans of early NWOBHM fledgling bands like Spartan Warrior, Tokyo Blade and Iron Maiden will appreciate the nod to that era as well as other 80s influences that are evident in the band’s sound - namely early Mötley Crüe and Riot circa Thundersteel. Jackie Slaughter may not be any relation to Mark Slaughter, but in the vocal department, they could be musical brothers especially when he's reaching for those high notes. From the first pounding strains of “Sign of the Warrior” you know this is going to be a feast for the ears in over-the-top metal, landing just a stone’s throw away from Vinnie Vincent Invasion territory. The thumping, histrionics, and ‘brotherhood of metal’ chest beating rarely let up as we are blasted off our feet with the thunderous “Heavier than Metal” and the Mötley Crüe inspiration with a speeded up “Too Fast For Love” style riffing (hell, even “Take Me to the Top”) in “Ride the Beast”. The anthems are in no short supply here with the EP being rounded out by the rousing “Blackout” and “No False Metal”.

Heavier than Metal is quite the little golden nugget for those of us waxing nostalgic but there comes a point when one realizes that this all like cotton candy - very tasty but not very fulfilling. The complexity and depth aren’t quite there and I don’t know how often I will find myself reaching to play it. Sure, on occasion I will pop it in the stereo, throw the horns in the air while giving myself a serious case of whiplash but those instances will probably be few and far between. Skull Fist is a likable and talented bunch; all they have to do is take this baby they’ve created and transform it into something really special. Color me interested in seeing where they go from here.

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments: