By: Stephen Szczasny
Artist: Skeletal Remains
Album: Devouring Mortality
Release Date: April 13th, 2018
Label: Dark Descent Records
Hailing from Whittier, California, this vicious death metal machine known as Skeletal Remains has been drawing major attention in the underground and for good reason. I first heard of the band around the time Condemned to Misery was unleashed upon the masses back in 2015. They impressed me from the first listen; they were chaotic, catchy, and crushing.
With their third full-length, they aim to go even darker and more punishing. From the opening track, you know your ears are in for an ass beating. The guitars provided from Chris Monroy are frenetic, ear-splitting, and totally take you on a ride throughout the entire record. The bass, handled by Adrian Marquez, gives a beautiful depth to the record; his tone hits you in the chest and knocks the wind right out of you. Newcomer Johnny Valles handles the drums this time around; his playing is ferocious and a constant attack on the listener’s senses. The vocals are obviously influenced by John Tardy (Obituary) and Martin Van Drunen (Ex-Pestilence, Asphyx), but on this record, it feels like Chris has really found his own style. His growls are the equivalent of someone writhing in pain; they are truly haunting.
Overall, this record will knock your socks right the fuck off; it’s the bee’s knees. Pick this record up immediately if you’re a fan of DM!!
Favorite Moments:
“Ripperology”, “Seismic Abyss”, “Catastrophic Retribution”, “Parasitic Horrors”, “Devouring Mortality”, “Internal Detestation”
Cheers \m/
Shredding Metal Maniaxe 