Tuesday, August 9, 2016

EP Review: "The Apothic Gloom" by Skeletonwitch

The Apothic Gloom
Would it bother you terribly if I waxed nostalgic just a little bit and tell an anecdote?

In October of 2014, nearly two years ago, my introduction to Skeletonwitch was finally made. Their name was familiar as was their aesthetic, but not their music.

As months until the show became weeks which became days, something happened. It was announced that vocalist, Chance Garnette, would not be appearing with the band for the remainder of the tour.

So, St. Louis was only to get 80% of Skeletonwitch.

No one in the band could sing or sing and play it would seem. This was the first time I had ever seen a band do this. Their riffy, shreddy, and thundery music played well as an instrumental quartet, even though something was clearly missing.

Skeletonwitch
So, this is the first time I have heard this band with vocals.

The Apothic Gloom is something of a coming out party for the new vocalist, Adam Clemans.

As, I was not familiar with Garnette's vocals, this was not a distraction for me.

What drew me in during their performance is the same thing that draws me in on this EP...

The thunder and lightning attack of the guitars and the drums.

This band is terribly brutal and fast without entering into the heavy metal arms race. There are no mid tempo rockers and chuggers here. This is all punishing riffs and beautiful solos that we could use to slice up some cabbage for cole slaw. (They shred, get it?)

If Metallica had a black metal mistress and created a weird  hybrid metal lovechild, it would most likely be Skeletonwitch. It's hard to really determine what they are doing here because there is a lot going on, but it does not wear out the ear.

In fact, this EP only makes the longing more acute.

Release: 8/19/16
Genre: Metal
Label: Prosthetic Records
Facebook


No comments:

Post a Comment