We are with serious Doomers here, ex CATHEDRAL's Brian Dixon on the drums, vocalist Eric Wagner (formerly of TROUBLE) and he doesn't need presentation for any Doom metal fan. Have you heard of the band TROUBLE? Yeah you surely have. THE SKULL are back four years after releasing "For Those Which are Asleep," back in 2014. The first track is the title one. Wagner's vocals are great as usual, clean singing with grand emotion deployment. The guitars are giving great atmosphere and rocking the way it should be. It's a great starter, though not a "breaking through" one. "Ravenswood" is the second song and also the first track released as a single. It's a good choice in that there is more of an up tempo groove with a cool vibe. The chorus is interesting, we have harmonies with the help of backing vocals. The guitar execution is more elaborated and the chorus is very catchy as are the riffs. The drum work of mister Dixon is not complex but well rendered.

"The Longing" sounds very American style. They are from Chicago, and we can hear it. There are great solos and melodic guitar makes this song very entertaining. If ZAKK WYLDE played Doom Metal, he would play that way. Great riffs, HEADBANGING APPROVED!!! "From Myself Depart" is kind of bluesy doom rock. There are lots of smooth parts with only percussion and vocals. I like this one.It sounds like 90's Seattle rock a little. We are offered a pretty cool solo around minute three. After that, we have a SABBATHIAN hell of a ride played with a little Proggy finale to get back where we started. "As the Sun Draws Near" is one of my favorites of this great album. The guitars are amazing. Pure Doom is here. Moving rock and ultra catchy songwriting while being multi-layered,and more complex than it seems. "All That Remain (is True)" is a wonderful ballad with strong mesmerizing lyrics. I don't believe in God, but the lyrics and the song is deep and touching me. Wagner is a Christian and doesn't have problems expressing himself about his beliefs. Once again the guitars and the song is well written and passed the test easily.

"Thy Will be Done" marks the end of this phenomenal piece of Doom. There is great riffing of both guitars altogether, intense slow passages, and the vocals are arranged with a nice effect, reminiscent of Ozzy Osbourne. It is a traditional doom song as we like it...the basic formula that always wins. Overall, this brand new opus is great from start to finish. Wagner never disappoints me. There aren't a lot of surprises on this journey but a fairly superb ride on the vast realms of desolation and doom. I can't wait to hear what's next. I missed THE SKULL playing in my hometown last time but i will not make the same mistake again! The finale is a little weak in my opinion but overall I really enjoyed that album.