Review: “Broken Skull Opera” by Then We Died

Citing inspiration from the likes of Repulsion, Impaled Nazarene and Disrupt, Louisville Kentucky Extreme Metal act Then We Died are comprised of a group of scene veterans in Stevo M. Dobbins (Impetigo, Surgikill) on vocals, Mike May (Sinistrum, Abominant) on bass, Jim Higgins (Abominant, Assisting Sorrow) on drums, Jerry Barksdale (The Promise Of Plague, Empyrean Asunder) on guitars and Chris Leffler (Stonecutters, Assisting Sorrow) on guest guitars who love 90’s era Grindcore, Death and Black Metal. You could say that it’s in their blood. Their first record together is “Broken Skull Opera”…

Flirting with 80’s Thrash during an introduction that includes a tasty bit of whammy bar action sets the tone for “Scenes From A Macabre Landfill” as the sounds of squelching accompany powerful percussion and menacing riffs. Its almost like an ominous warning of the shape of things to come during a sequence in a low budget horror movie before title track “Broken Skull Opera” rears its ugly head. Another darkly atmospheric piece with violent bursts of Grindcore and blood gargling vocal moments, it also has a soaring virtuoso solo that is so bright it will burn your retinas. It pays to expect the unexpected but this is something else entirely. The lyrics are momentarily distinguishable during the Death Metal creation that is “Flesh Farm“, another that plays on slick tempo changes with disturbing consequences. A little more whammy bar action is a nice touch, as is the earworm main riff that rises like the psychopaths knife after a couple of moments of blasting. “Face Down In The Mud Covered In Blood” is arguably the finest kit performance from Higgins who makes great use of the cymbals as Stevo brings yet more insanity to the vocals. There are a couple of moments where its almost impossible to tell if there is a sample being used or if its another larynx threatening noise but either way it works and is surprisingly fun. A cover of the Misfits classic “Where Eagles Dare” is an interesting move because Stevo actually sings rather than continuing to wreck his throat. Their rendition has the qualities of a live performance with all the energy and slick transitions and even if you’ve been living under a rock and have never heard the song, you’ll be singing along by the end of the second spin. [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Scenes From A Macabre Landfill
2. Broken Skull Opera
3 Flesh Farm
4. Face Down In The Mud Covered In Blood
5. Where Eagles Dare (Misfits cover)

“Broken Skull Opera” by Then We Died is out 21st May 2025 via CDN Records and is available over at bandcamp