Metal maniacs, rejoice! I am proud to present to you: SKELATOR; signed via Gates Of Hell Records, hailing from Seattle grounds - performing Heavy/Speed Metal, on their 2nd EP entitled: "Blood Empire" (released September 23rd, 2022). Since formation in 1998; the quintet in question have 3 demos, 2 EPs, 2 splits, 1 compilation, 1 live album, and 5 full-length studio albums in their discography so far. I am introduced to their 2nd EP entitled: "Blood Empire", 4 tracks ranging at around 21:47... SKELATOR arranges an intricately designed formula on some heavy-hitting Heavy/Speed Metal amalgamations.

Opening up with this medieval; rumbling march of bong chime excellence, a harmonic strum soon revels with this clamorous, high-pitched scream within "Deeds Of Honor". Jason Conde-Houston yells out this throaty roar until some raw rough tonalities stampede with wildly rushing sharpness; incorporating an incredibly cheesy aesthetic that showcases like a He-Man warrior, manifesting a boisterously bouncy execution and a flamboyant melody of organic substance & vibrantly potent remedy. Twinning vibrato patterns within maelstrom guitar frolickers Rob Steinway & Robbie Houston ramify with some synergetic virtuosity, quintessentially riffing with strident sturdiness while thudding out some rhythmic verses that swerve with vivacious sublimity. "Good Day To Die" rivets with catchy adrenaline and dexterously dynamic mobility, momentously merging Viking-esque stability while sulfurous songwriting musicianship captivates eardrums with old-school Heavy/Speed Metal zeal.

Leona Hayward on the audible bass injects an infectiously venomous thump on punchy weight & tight tempo while hammering drummer Patrick Seick doesn't need to smack the set with vigorous wrath with this performance, instead... a shimmering yet noticeable, light-tap serves with more than enough firepower here. Still rigorous, however - "The First Empire" gallops and belts a clobbering foundation in blistering articulation while slaying solos strife with salubriously choppy bombast amongst a chiseling attribute in dense impact. Impulse speakers with listenable fabrications in instrumental finesse that's most thunderous while pursuing with striking piledriving rambunctiousness that relentlessly soars with solidly robust force in experimental heat flows that will bop heads in no time. A hefty but gritty and concrete calamity bulldozes fiercely as ethereal grinds implement a hybrid exuberance in buoyant enrichment, reminding one to keep your brothers and sisters of metal in mind so you can fully party with the fullest intent the next time you meet.

Overall concluding with the epic finale of "Bloodwine"; a drinking fueled rocker that celebrates life to the richest of resolutions to remain victorious throughout your day coherently, closes the EP with elegantly exquisite choppiness and crunchy collision that will make you excited for the next release, "Blood Empire" is like a steely rendition of middle age enticement of slabby yet primitive precision that reminds of a lesser grandeur of metal kings MANOWAR while transitioned with this tongue in cheek blend through the BROTHERS OF METAL distinction. A distinguished fusion, but does suit SKELATOR well. Bottom line; a short offering but I am compelled to say that the band certainly delivered an enjoyably entertaining experience that's worthy of spinning and discovering, it just won't win record of the year material. Other than that, do check it out should you fancy a cheery but upbeat trailblazer that's most motivating.Purchase Link:

https://trueskelator.bandcamp.com/