(CD/LP, Prosthetic Records, 2011)
Having released four albums in 7-8 years does not make you an endlessly working band but not some lazy prowlers also. SKELETONWITCH release the fourth album and if you’ve been fancying their blackened Thrash Metal style in their previous releases, then “Forever Abomination” shall do little to change your opinion, rest assured. The American outfit has relentlessly recorded this new album with the clear motive to unleash dozes of aggressive yet old-school-looking Black/Thrash Metal blast without any interest in following trends or something like this. From beginning to end the hammering is merciless, the darkened atmosphere shall haunt you down and the blackened vocals will have no boundaries in delivering evil’s message.
In relation to the band’s previous albums, I can say “Forever Abomination” sounds a little bit more diverse in its extremity, meaning that it does feature elements from the intense side of Metal music in the songwriting and/or vocal sessions. It shall nail you down without calm moments but it efficiently shows that there is no need for blastbeats to bring chaos in your metallic obscurity. The guitar harmonies are an ace here, with enough reference to the ‘evil’ side of the classic Metal formulas. To the band’s benefit, the musicianship is more solid in this new release and the basic melodies seem more conscious this time, making the album swallowed in easy - it’s 32 minutes long anyway, so you won’t have a big problem with that.
I’ve listened to - and followed - more impressive bands in the blackened Thrash style, but SKELETONWITCH have the potential to fit your personal top list in this field. Try this new album and you’ll find nearly no weak moments; these bastards play non-polished yet clear-aim focused evil Black/Thrash Metal with dignity and that’s something you cannot ignore.
7/10
Links:
www.Skeletonwitch.Com
www.MySpace.Com/Skeletonwitch
www.FaceBook.Com/SkeletonwitchMetal
Tracklist:
01. This Horrifying Force (The Desire To Kill)
02. Reduced To The Failure Of Prayer
03. Of Ash And Torment
04. Choke Upon Betrayal
05. Erased And Forgotten
06. The Infernal Resurrection
07. Rejoice In Misery
08. Cleaver Of Souls
09. Shredding Sacred Flesh
10. Sink Beneath Insanity
11. My Skin Of Deceit
Lineup:
Chance Garnette - Vocals
Scott Hedrick - Guitars
Nate "N8 Feet Under" Garnette - Guitars
Evan Linger - Bass
Dustin Boltjes - Drums