When I get albums with such promo sheets I just can't stop laughing with the stupid quotes I read on them. SKULLSHIFTER's promo sheet made you think that you are going to face a totally sophisticated band with weird lyrics, something like VINTERSORG or ARCTURUS for example. The only thing you get is modern Thrash and all the philosophical stuff just seem kind of irrelevant to the rest of the package.

SKULLSHIFTER have finally managed to release their debut album through BFD Records, which is probably a label they have formed to release their own stuff, since I didn't manage to find a site or any info about this label. After their debut EP Here In Hell, which was released in 2005, the US metallers managed to have some pretty good feedback from the press. I unfortunately haven't had the chance to hear it, but judging by this album, I don't think that SKULLSHIFTER is the band that could amaze me by any means.

The band just can't hide its love for MACHINE HEAD. I mean, SKULLSHIFTER's music is totally based on this MACHINE HEAD classic style with the mid tempo groovy/relentless Thrash Metal riffing, the groovy drums and the screaming vocals. The fact is that these guys don't have:
1. The sound quality to play such kind of music.
2. The singer that is able to sing like Flynn. MACHINE HEAD's frontman is definitely a talented guy that has led the band to where it is right now.
3. The composing skills of Flynn and Demmel.
4. A kick ass and distinctive drummer like Dave McClain, who puts his signature on every song.

I guess what I said is more than enough to make SKULLSHIFTER work a bit more on their songs and most important of all, find their own musical identity. Being influenced by bands was always a natural thing, but copying successful recipes was something that never worked out.