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Viking Skull: Heavy Metal Thunder

Heavy Metal

4.25/5.0

Restricted Release Records
www.myspace.com/vikingskull
By Craig Hartranft,  10.18.2010

If you couldn't get enough of Viking Skull's heavy metal beat down on 2008's Doom, Gloom, Heartache & Whiskey, then take heart head bangers, especially those in the US and Canada. Via the Restricted Release label, Viking Skull brings a reissue of the debut album, Born In Hell (2005), and the Chapter One EP (2003), both previously unavailable in North American retail outlets. Also included are five bonus songs. A new EP is planned for 2011.

Probably, the best part of this collection is the fine picture you get of Viking Skull's roots. While Doom, Gloom, Heartache & Whiskey was a heavier metal juggernaut, earlier material shows Viking Skull distinctly closer to traditional heavy metal with a catchy rock n roll feel. On the heavy metal side, Beers, Drugs and Bitches, Rape, Pillage, and Burn, and Heavy Metal Thunder are thundering head banging pieces. Then Red Hot Woman, anthem-like Crank the Volume, and the quirky and humorous Crazy Trucker deliver infectious accessibility by kicking out the rock jams. As usual, there's nothing subtle about Viking Skull, cliches aside everything on Heavy Metal Thunder is below the belt, bar room brawling, and whiskey swilling grandeur. And you the women should probably steer clear of Saddle Up and Inject My Woman (With Love).

Honestly, I think the Heavy Metal Thunder collection outshines Doom, Gloom, Heartache & Whiskey which finally brought the band some international acclaim. The songs, and overall groove here, are authentic, entertaining, and rocking heavy metal.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

Honestly, I think the Heavy Metal Thunder collection outshines Doom, Gloom, Heartache & Whiskey which finally brought the band some international acclaim. The songs, and overall groove here, are authentic, entertaining, and rocking heavy metal.

Alphabetical Index

eviewing my archives, I was pleased to find that I have had the privilege to review every Lionville since their self-titled debut in 2011. Formed by Stefano Lionetti, a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in ... [ Read More ]