Review: “World Burner” by Skabs (3rd Anniversary)

Back in not so ancient history Manchester Blackened Crust Punks Skabs saw their debut EP “World Burner” released by Liminal Dread Productions on cassette. It was a small moment in history but a large one for the band and no doubt spurred them on to create their recently released debut album “Hell’s Teeth“. Having reviewed the new record from the scene veterans known for their time in the likes of Pist, Poison Dwarf and Hunting With Chainsaws to name but a few, we figured we might take a trip down the yellow brick road that is otherwise known as memory lane and review this one as well. Why? No, the question is why not?

For those not in the know, bassist and vocalist Dave Rowlands, drummer Steven Hall Drums, guitarist Jack Trelawny and vocalist Mike Collins Vocals formed Skabs back in 2022, releasing a twin track demo in the November of that year. Twelve months later they returned with their debut EP “World Burner” which is a rarity in that it is graced by neither of the previously released tunes.

Throat shredding vocals from Collins are front and centre in the mix as Skabs tear everything before them into a million little pieces with the ripper that is “Scoured“. A sub two minute blast of earworm riffage and pulsating percussion, its very much the push that makes you want to move and gets the Molotov cocktail party started in the best possible way, the Black Metal finale a very nice touch of impressive musicianship. The war drums pound as “Bile Factory” comes to life, the atmosphere building introduction getting smashed to smithereens as the band fly into a vicious tirade accompanied by blast beats and tremolo picking. They return to the introduction before the end with Collins spitting blood and venom with the repeated lines “We’ll f***ing watch you burn!” as addictive as flamin’ hot cheetos.

Nothing says a song is going to have a bleak lyrical narrative quite like “A View from the Gallows” and this one also packs a serious punch with death growls to accompany the shriller main vocals adding another dimension to a searing display of rhythmic prowess. Fast and loose “Not Dead” flies out the gate like a Pitbull in search of the Postman’s leg, the pummelling percussion and blackened riffs igniting the flames of a towering inferno through which Collins screams in perpetual agony like a wounded beast from the black depths. The slow down to feedback in the final moments is impressive and it has to be said that Skabs are more than capable of burning any world [8.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Scoured
2. Bile Factory
3. A View from the Gallows
4. Not Dead

“World Burner” by Skabs is out 10th November 2023 via Liminal Dread Productions and is available over at bandcamp