Review: “Skullsplitter” by Killhall

In forming Killhall, bassist Stefan Laine (Judas Avenger, Swollen Eye View, Wolftopia), drummer Juuso Laukkanen (Methane, Intact), guitarist Tuomas Laukkanen, vocalist Madis “Mad” Velström (Külmking, Intact, Cantilena) and guitarist Micu Ohtonen (Intact, Dead Shape Figure, Skulldriver) have taken their experiences over the past fifteen years of writing, recording, rehearsing and playing shows and poured it into their debut album “Skullsplitter“. The collection of seasoned veterans whose prior convictions speak for themselves are said to have to travel a collective 666 kilometres from two neighbouring countries to be in the same room together with members based in both Estonia and Finland. They do so graciously as having the right people in the band is more important than the distance…

Mixed and mastered by Mikko Herranen (Kaikkeus, Hanging Garden, Arion) and recorded by the band themselves, the groove laden “Delirium Tremens” races out of the blocks like an Olympic Gold Medallist and sounding like a demo from the “The Fury Of The Makers Hand” by Devildriver. Curiously they have injected into the madness a chorus of clean vocal lines and rich melody, the contrast one that grows on you with multiple listens because its quirky and a little eccentric in the same vein as recent works by Avatar. The main riff is an absolute rager and that gives it the punch of aggression that satisfies. Thundering in with a little more energy and intensity “Pure Of Heart Clear Of Mind” finds vocalist Velström reaching a gravelly new low in the opening verse before a less clean chorus that feels more traditional and in line with what you might expect from a Gothenburg era Melodic Death Metal act. The lead harmonies are rich and vibrant, the musicianship solid and timeless, giving these songs an instantly gratifying appeal because they have a familiarity about them that seduces. A longer cut with a broader dynamic “Fear Shaped Man” has a melancholic quality to it while Velström offers up a sing-a-long chorus that is designed for arenas and festival stages. The extended solo is majestic as it plays out over staccato riff break infestations, that undertone of punchy aggression ensuring the solo doesn’t meander off into virtuoso territory. Velström’s bloodcurdling roar at the start of “Land of I” sets the tone for a galloping, Thrash influenced main riff that has a sinister little Black Metal evolution before dropping back. The occasional short burst of blasting from Laukkanen keeps thing lively as the band skilfully avoid the temptation of experimentation and instead stick to task and deliver another crusher.

A classic Hellraiser, “For the Crow” once again increases the intensity of the heavier side of the band with pulverising percussive battery and a driven riff attack, a face melting solo in the final third the cherry on top. The addition of a fleeting whispered vocal part is a nice touch, adding some spice to the vocal which is a little bit predictable by this point. In isolation the cut sounds like a world beater but in the context of the record as a whole it loses a little of its edge with Velström’s insistence on having clean vocal parts on every track. If they left them out here, it would have greater impact. A venomous cut “Skullsplitter” seems to have a personal edge to it which draws a more emotive performance from the band while losing none of the verve or swagger of the earlier material. It’s the perfect title track, encompassing everything that the band have on display in the record as a whole while having a lethal dose of adrenaline within it to keep it separated from the pack. Dirge laden and swirling in toxicity, “For You Brother This Bullet” is one that you’ll struggle not to head bang to on the first listen as it has mid tempo groove that will keep you coming back for more. It may be nothing that you haven’t heard before but it is done so well that you will not care. Originally “I Want War” was the title of this album and its easy to see why as this hatchet burying affair would have been a fitting title track. Pulverising percussive battery, classic Melodic Death Groove Metal riffs, a thunderous bass line and the finest vocal performance on the album are all in place, a spoken word moment adding to the atmosphere and ensuring that the band finish on a high [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Delirium Tremens
2. Pure Of Heart Clear Of Mind
3. Fear Shaped Man
4. Land of I
5. For the Crow
6. Skullsplitter
7. For You Brother This Bullet
8. I Want War

“Skullsplitter” by Killhall is out 2nd June 2023 via Inverse Records with pre-orders available over at bandcamp