Running through the hills of the African kingdom, experiencing the wildlife of the wilderness, various of treasures can be discovered under the halo of this great ancient continent. Far into this continent's history, it was dominated, exploited, it drank blood, and still does, but I would have never thought to myself of how Metal music could have been developed, sustained and slowly gain features, within this section of Africa, in a country named Botswana. I know that there is South Africa and their gradually rising scene, yet I believe that Botswana is different. However, after wondering about it for a little while, the Europeans, other than leaving their mark of apartheid that wounded nearly the entire center and southern of the continent, left their western culture including Rock and Metal music. SKINFLINT, a Heavy Metal trio hailing from the city of Gaborone, is a part of a Metal scene that is currently on an expansion and improvement stage, however, while being out of the main focus of Metal, which is mainly in Europe and the US, or even the South American scene, SKINFLINT was able to link a deal Pure Steel Records, one of the old school messengers in Europe for their latest, and third, release "Dipoko", which has been out for a while. Nonetheless, probably as a part of their contract, their second album was reissued, a release named "IKLWA" and here I am exploring the band's not so distant past.

Right from the get go it appeared quite clear, SKINFLINT are old school as the label that signed them, breathing and nourishing on vintage flavors and spices of NWOBHM, revamping the old melodic tendencies and epic measures that asserted this British gem's grandeur, yet there is a kink. This band has been mostly taking their proceedings and notes from early to mid-80's era of IRON MAIDEN following several pointers and hinters of their 00's period, yet without achieving the same musical prowess as the Brits. I discerned, and later on it also became quite evident, that SKINFLINT, at least on this here album, experimented on their attempts to be that same image on their own songs as a representation of the developed IRON MAIDEN in their vision. Over the years, I have listened and noticed bands that wished to be the same, even harshly identical while perishing the thought that it is all about the musicians, and frankly there is no error on living up to your passion and influence. In the case of SKINFLINT there were occasions throughout the tracklist where riffs were almost mimicked in their full form, or marginally altering obvious MAIDEN classic notes into something of their own. It happens all the time, but I have to admit that within "IKLWA", although showing devotion and dedication, became too apparent and way too palpable.

"Mbube the Great", portrayed as one of SKINFLINT's promising epic recordings, began with a soothing "Dance Of Death" intro only to be accompanied with a strong incursion with a slow tempo with a simply put NWOBHM riffery. If you would notice the bass lines on the bridges, along with the melodic patterns further on, it is MAIDEN all along. However, generally, a decent track that needs a little kick in the behinds and a better written solo other than the mambo jumbo that noticed over here. "Burning the Soul with Diesel" is like a raw balladry, which ended up being a NWOBHM clincher, yet rather impressive in overall, especially the lead guitar work. I didn't find Juice's vocals to be highly appealing for this type of track, rather Hetfield like, but in a sort of way his channeled vibe suited the occasion. "When You Die, You Die" had me expecting a kind of proto Speed Metal, yet it loomed over me with its sorrowful gesture, such anguish, as if these were the last breathes before damnation and demise. This instrumental inhibits a few BLACK SABBATH insinuations yet picturing a MANOWERish type of nature as well, fairly inspirational.

Closing this one down, SKINFLINT presented a release of rawness, a sense of oscillation and somewhat immaturity in their writing style. Furthermore, there is that feeling that these guys tried hard to formulate their identity but still with a way to go in order to attain that. It is possible that the band's latest "Dipoko" release turned out to be another step in their development. I guess that you will have to buy in order to know that.