Excruciator is Devouring the Competion

In the year 2011, it almost seems like there are more new thrash bands than there are people. Some are lucky enough to make it, while the majority flounder in obscurity. Excruciator is a band that should be spoken of in the same breath as bands like Warbringer, Evile, Toxic Holocaust, and Municipal Waste, but they are not. Does Excruciator have the most unique sound of the bunch? No, not really. Do they play some intense and extremely catchy music? You bet your ass they do, and they do it better than most.


The music on "Devouring" is very tight and concise. The riffs mesh well with the rhythm section, as Chris Birkle vocals pulverize the listener. Birkle sounds like a great mix of Darren Travis (Sadus) and Zetro of Exodus fame. His vocals are a definite highlight on "Devouring." They command the music with an insanely high level of viciousness that can be felt with every word uttered, but they also up the intensity all around, making for a very pleasing overall sound.


The riffs here are just as impressive as the vocal performance. They range from fast thrashers that remind the listener of Dark Angel on "Darkness Descends," to more technical riffs similar to Sadus. "Eviscerator" has the catchiest riffs of any song on the album, and is guaranteed to get your adrenaline flowing. For the most part, the riffs tend to follow the more technical pattern on this track, until that chorus kicks in, then Excruciator take  off while your head begins to bang uncontrollably. 


There weren't many flaws on the album that held it back, but there is definitely some room for improvement. When playing the style of thrash that Excruciator plays today, it's difficult to avoid using a riff that seems unispired or bland, and this occurs on a couple of occasions, but it's nothing serious enough to avoid this album.


Excruciator managed to deliver an exciting and fun thrash release with "Devouring," and their fanbase continues to grow as they anxiously await a follow up to this beast. The best tracks to be found here are "Disciples of Mencace," "Hunter Killer," and the absolute best track "Eviscerator." If Excuciator's next offering is able to surpass this album, they they just may devour their competition completely.


Be sure to check out Excruciator on Facebook and like their page! 
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Excruciator/110648458979440

Final Rating - 4.25/5 or 85%.

Interview with Christopher "Atomic Thrasher" of Insinnerator!

For the latest interview here on Skull Fracturing Metal, I was lucky enough to talk with Christopher "Atomic Thrasher" of the mighty Insinnerator! If you've kept up with the blog, you'll know that I am a huge fan of Insinnerator's debut album, "Stalagmite of Ice." Enough of the small talk, here's the interview, enjoy! 


SFM - Your debut album, "Stalagmite of Ice," has been out for a while now. How has the reception to it been so far?


Christopher - Honestly, it's been better than I ever could have imagined! I was nervous in releasing the album. Not in the sense that I didn't think the songs were good, just that I wanted people to enjoy it. And I am pleasantly surprised with how well it has been received! I haven't seen a bad review of it yet, which makes us very happy! Thanks to all who have given us kind words, and who have supported us and "Stalagmite of Ice."


SFM - The album is definitely deserving of all the praise it's received, it's great! Now, looking back at the album, are there any changes that you would make to it?


Christopher - Minute things. I sometimes hear where I could have put another whammy bar thing, or I have a new idea for a solo, but that's only natural. Juan Speed's drumming was perfect on the album and I loved "Brutal" Ben's playing. The songs and riffs, I think, flow very well. It really is just small things that I notice.


SFM - What are some common praises/criticisms of the album?

Christopher - The best praises that we've seen from the album is that our playing is very fast, tight, and precise. That's the main thing I wanted. I wanted us to not only have some great speed, but to be able to keep it tight. I think we achieved that with "Stalagmite of Ice." The criticisms we've faced are primarily with the vocals. It seems like we are similar to Vio-lence: either you love the vocals, or hate them. But honestly, if that's the only complaint, I think we can live with that. We have a lot to be happy about with this album, and we need to learn from the criticisms rather than dwell on them.


SFM - I'm glad that you're taking the criticisms well. You recently toured with fellow Texan thrashers, Terrorist, over on the east coast. how was that tour? Do you have any more 2011 tour plans? 


Christopher - The tour was great! Being able to tour with terrorist, it just felt right. I was always telling Juan "Speed," if there's any band I want to tour with, I want it to be with Terrorist. And to have the opportunity was a dream come true. Terrorist are the most down to Earth guys in the world, and getting to see them and hang with them every day was a treat. The tour had some ups and downs, but I ry my hardest to forget the rougher times and just see the good in it. I mean, we got to play Canada with Lich King, Razormaze, and Skull Hammer! How many bands can say that, let alone one all the way from Texas! The best thing about touring is playing music, and to do that almost every day for 3 weeks in front of new faces, I just can't describe that feeling as a musician. As for new tour plans, we do have something in the works, but it's in the EARLY, EARLY stages. Our sights are on the West, and we're hoping that not only Terrorist, but maybe another band from L.A. can join us as well.


SFM - I can't wait for you guys to hit Los Angeles! I've been following your posts on Facebook, and you have said that you have already got some riffs and songs worked out for Insinnerator album #2. Are there any major differences between these and the ones on "Stalagmite of Ice?"


Christopher - The second album is becoming even more intense than "Stalagmite of Ice!" These songs are hitting hard! Really fast, and really intense. Juan "Speed" and I have a really tight partnership when it comes to writing music. He really is my partner in thrash crime. We have two styles that work really well, even though they are a bit different. "Brutal" Ben contributes, but it was more towards structuring, like on "Children of the Cult" and "Face the Insinnerator." This time, he's contributed two songs. I think the main differences between "Stalagmite of Ice" and the second album is that there are two planned instrumentals. One Ben wrote, and one that I'm writing. Ben's is more typical of a thrash metal album, whereas mine is a bit... different. Mine is more of a set up to another song, but I'm hoping it works well! There are some interesting aspect of melody, but that was also on "Stalagmite of Ice." Trust me though, it's not like "The Devil You Know" by Anthrax. We WILL never do that!! They are more for effect, like the end of "Stalagmite of Ice" and the beginning of "Nightmare Theatre."


SFM - I recently found out that the lyrics to "Evil Spirit from Beyond" are about the video game "Zelda." How did you decide to write about that game, and do you have any other lyrics to songs about video games?




Christopher - I love "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time." Every time I play that game, the scenery, the mysticism, it all strikes me so hard. So I was playing through it, and when I got to the Forest Temple, I was really struck for the first time about how powerful Phantom Ganon is. The image of him on the horse, hurling magic, and further creating clones of himself is just awesome. And the title of "Evil Spirit of Beyond" just had to be used. It's so powerful. While the lyrics are not about a video game, "Stalagmite of Ice" was inspired by a fatality that Sub-Zero used in Mortal Kombat Trilogy. Luckily, ice has become our thing, and it's taken on a life of it's own. For the second album, SO many of the lyrics that I'm taking care of have to do with video games, by both ways listed above. I think some people will be happy when they read the lyrics!


SFM - That's awesome, because I too, love "Ocarina of Time." Now, what kind of gear do you use?


Christopher - I personally use Jackson and Charvel guitars! The Charvel that I use as my back up guitar was purchased directly from Alex Skolnick, my biggest influence and idol. I use a B-52 AT 212 tube amp. I don't have many pedals, except a Digitech Whammy pedal, which I only use for the chorus settings on solos and clean tones.


SFM -  Are you a fan of any newer bands out today? if so which would they be?


Christopher - I love the NWOTM. I think I can speak for all of Insinnerator when I say there are so many new bands that we love. Lich King, Razormaze, Fueled By Fire, Merciless Death, skull Hammer, Amoricide, Terrorist, Hexlust, Bludvera, Witchaven, Exmortus, Vektor, Hatchet, Execution, Sakrificer, Head on Collision, Fatal, Vindicator, Fatality, Violentada, Bacalou, Testimony, Savagery, Descendent, Quarantine, Acid Speech, Dismantle, Warbringer, Toxic Holocaust, Manic Repressive, Bonded By Blood, I mean, the list goes on! I'm so happy that this music is doing really well right now. It seems L.A. has slowed down a little, but a lot of other places are beginning to pick up! I'm proud that we are all a part of this, and are watching it as it happens!


SFM - What is your favorite Insinnerator song to play live?


Christopher - I love playing so many of them, but some of my favorites are "Stalagmite of Ice," "Rites of Execution," and "Face the Insinnerator." The middle part of "Face the Insinnerator" can create a BAD ASS pit, so it's always fun to see people going crazy and thrashing out to that part!


SFM - Well Chris, thank you for your time, and last but not least, do you have any words for your fans?


Christopher - Thank you all for the support you have given Insinnerator. It means the world to us, and we have the best fans ever! I promise you, all of you, we will never stop playing thrash metal. Ever. It's what we love to do, and what we want to deliver to you! You all are the best. Thanks for this interview, man! Keep Thrashing!


Be sure to check out Insinnerator on Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/Insinnerator

Orgy of Destruction Weekly Series #2 - Devastation - Idolatry

When people think of thrash from Texas, the most common names that get mentioned are bands like Rigor Mortis or Gammacide. When people think of death/thrash, they usually think of bands like Ripping Corpse or Possessed. Devastation is a band that should be one of the first thought of when discussing either the Texas scene or the death/thrash subgenre, yet they're left out for the most part, which is a shame. It's also the reason that "Idolatry" is the featured album in the 2nd edition of the weekly, Orgy of Destruction series.

"Idolatry" is an absolute monster of an album, yet it remains unknown to many. Why? There isn't an exact reason, but it's most likely because of when it came out. "Idolatry" came out in 1991, and as many of you know, the '90s weren't so generous to the thrash scene. Many bands started to completely change their styles to keep up with the times, by playing groove or going for a more radio friendly sound (a la Metallica).

Devastation managed to conjure up a fairly unique sound, separating them from many other death/thrash bands at the time. The vocals didn't sound like they should be fronting a death metal band like most death/thrash bands, but more along the lines of an '80s thrash band. The true death/thrash sound comes from the riffs and the overall atmosphere of the album. You could feel the intensity and anger that cling to these riffs as each one strikes the listener like a bolt of lightning. These riffs aren't all one-dimensional either. There are riffs that are so fast, they almost have an impression of being shot out of a cannon from only a foot away, while there are others that are crushing and heavy, like a jackhammer smashing bricks into dust. 

Along with the riffs are the melodies that are found on a few of the tracks, that send shivers down the listener's spine with their sinister feel. "Forsaken Hatred" and "Legacy of Faith" both have the ripping fast riffs, the brutal mid-paced riffs and the melodies. It should come as no surprise that these are also two of the best tracks on the record.

The structuring and placement of the different musical pieces is also an essential part of the overall Devastation sound. Some of the riffs seem even faster, because they are cleverly placed right after a slow melody or a heavier mid-paced riff. "Deliver the Suffering" starts with a minute of a piano and some synth effects, but then that riff comes in, and it sends your neck into a thrashing frenzy like no other. Devastation also manages to utilize acoustic guitars to create an eerie aura at times. The title track starts off with an acoustic guitar that sets the chilling tone, only to be sent into another evil riff.

"Idolatry" is a perfect example that there was still quality thrash in the early '90s (though it could never hope to top Epidemic of Violence). The best tracks to be found here are definitely "Forsaken Hatred" and "Legacy of Faith" due to their perfect blend of brutality, technicality and most importantly, the catchiness.

So the next time you're making a list of your favorite death/thrash albums you might want to put this record in there, because it deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as albums like "The Awakening" and "A Shedding of Skin." And the next time you're talking about thrash from Texas, don't forget to mention this album, because it's the best thrash album that state has ever produced. "Idolatry" is the true definition of a hidden gem.

Signs of the Jackal and a Future

Here is the newest review done by Skull Fracturing Metal's newest contributing writer, Chris Butera. The band is Sign of the Jackal, and the EP is entitled The Beyond. Be sure to check these guys out on Facebook!


In recent years, another trend in metal is slowly rising- the revival of traditional Heavy Metal. Bands from all over the world are popping up with that old school sound, combined with the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Sign of the Jackal is one of these bands that has influences of Saxon, 70's Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Helloween and a little bit of Accept thrown in for good measure. They recently released their EP "The Beyond" via Heavy Artillery records and it is turning some heads.


The EP features five sweet tracks that take you back to the early days of metal when it was first spreading its demonic wings. Kicking off with the anthem "Hellhounds," the Italian stallions have you throwing up the horns from the get-go. The solo section is very bright and full of great harmony and a thumping rhythm section. Laura's vocals are very strong, making this a great opener.


The next song "Head Over Heels," sounds like an early Judas Priest song. You can picture Rob Halford grooving along to this in his bunny slippers on a rainy day.


"Heavy Metal Demons" is another speedy number that pulls you back in time again. A great vocal presence again and more impressive guitar work. The drums have great timing and will keep you fixated on banging your head to the beat. The bass playing is also very tight with the drums and thumps along quite nicely in this tune.


"Paganini Horror" is just that as it is a rockin' tune that makes good use of the famous scale. A chilling intro that puts you into the makings of a cool tune that reminds metal heads of Iron Maiden's "Bring Your Daughter to the Slaughter."


The EP closes with "Night of the Undead." Another great song with a fantastic Judas Priest touch. Laura's vocals deliver hard and heavy once again with a dab of Lita Ford being shown here. This one has a great chorus that everyone can sing along to. Destined to be a live classic.


Sign of the Jackal is an excellent new band from Italy that is worth checking out. Their roots are planted firmly in Heavy Metal and if they continue to deliver there's no telling where they can go. Sign of the Jackal shows great promise and can really make waves if they set their sights on it.


Be sure to check out Sign of the Jackal on Facebook! 
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sign-of-the-Jackal/118933994850235

White Wizzard Soars Over the Top with Flying Tigers

White Wizzard have returned and they do so in grand style with their newest release, "Flying Tigers." If you have been a fan of any of White Wizzard's previous material, then it's almost guaranteed that you will fully enjoy this new record. The first half of this beast has the classic sound that was established on "Over the Top," while the second half takes the band to new heights. The musicianship has improved tenfold, but all of the catchiness remains intact and makes this record a must-listen.

This album has just about everything you could want in a heavy metal album in 2011. It has the metal anthems that every White Wizzard fan is familiar with, but is also filled with more progressive elements and epic arrangements. Songs like "Fight to the Death" and "Night Train to Tokyo" are damn-near impossible to sing along with, due to Wyatt Anderson's great vocal performance along with the ear-friendly melodies that seem to endlessly pour out of the guitars. The album's first single "Starchild" shows off the band's ability to write a brilliant ballad while the title track oozes of Iron Maiden influence as it gallops ahead.

However, the true strength of this album comes from the six-song concept that closes the album. Jon Leon shows off some fantastic musical ability with these songs, whether it was because of the catchy, yet technical riffs that resemble Coroner at their best, or just the all around epic aura that's produced by the lengthy and fluid arrangements of the songs. The tracks "Fall of Atlantis" and "War of the Worlds" showcase some of White Wizzard's best riffs and melodies to date. The main riff in "Fall of Atlantis" will definitely get your headbanging and almost resembles Megadeth on "Rust in Peace." "Dark Alien Overture" is the product of great musicianship, as every instrument here delivers for this terrific instrumental, featuring almost jazz-like bass lines that work beautifully with the lead guitar. "Demons and Diamonds," which clocks in at just a little over nine minutes, takes the listener on a journey full of twists and turn that leaves them wanting more.

Overall, this album is a huge step-up from White Wizzard's previous work and is more than capable of silencing their critics. For those who loved "Over the Top," due to its old school heavy metal worshipping, they are sure to enjoy this record. For those that criticized White Wizzard for being too "cheesy" or "generic," well you're going to have an extremely difficult time trying to make that argument after hearing this album.

White Wizzard has completely stepped up their game with "Flying Tigers" and deliver an album that destroys any competition they may have had. The experimentation that was done on this album was surprising to say the least, but it worked out perfectly and have given them their own sound. Many people have criticized them as some cheap Iron Maiden knockoff.

That's just not possible anymore.

This is a must buy record and is easily a contender for one of the best metal albums of 2011.

Final Rating - 4.5/5 or 90%

White Wizzard Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/WhiteWizzard