Skelethal - Unveiling The Threshold (2020)
France
Hells Headbangers
French Death Metal heavyweights Skelethal return with second full length, "Unveiling The Threshold," which will see the light of day on the 20th November, 2020, under the banner of Hells Headbangers. There's no doubt these maniacs took a hefty amount of inspiration from the old Swedish scene, but closer analysis will also reveal nuances of styles like thrash and crust incorporated into their sound. The music delivers a myriad of intense, groove-laden riffs interspersed throughout like a whirlwind of blades hurled at the listener. I found the vocals somewhat muted, but well done and decidedly abrasive. The production is clear, but not too polished, which works. A few deadly solos are scattered throughout like chunks of meat. One of the things Skelethal does exceptionally well is their ability to seamlessly weave heaviness with groove. Essentially, this is an death metal album, and if there's one thing paramount about this style, then it's hooks. Having said that, "Unveiling The Threshold" delivers all the hooks; it's heavy, intense, merciless, but somehow lacks a bit in the memorability department. However, it's one of those albums I can always come back to when I'm in the mood for some high-octane, pummeling death metal. Recommended. (HT)