Skull & Crossbones – Sungazer
Rating: 8.5/10
Review by: Jim Harrison
German heavy metal newcomers Skull & Crossbones are set to release their debut album Sungazer via Massacre Records.
Although it’s a first full length album, many of the members have a strong metal pedigree as four of them originated from the band Stormwitch.
Members Toni Hübner vocals, Volker Schemietow guitarist, Toni Kipp guitarist, Jügen Wannenwetsch bass and Marc Oppold drums, motivates from this credo “You should try to live your dreams so as not to be envious of those who have achieved what you always wished for yourself “, wise words that ring through loudly on this album.
Opening track “Midnight Fyre” has a smoking traditional metal sound that prepares you for this journey. The guitar solos sound fantastic. “Sungazer” the title track starts with wicked guitar riff and Hübner really shows off his singing abilities with some vocals that shred this song.
“Manhunter” has chunky guitars and delivers a darker sound to it. There is a cool base line as well that thumps shade. This is one of my favourite songs on the album and the melodic vocals keep that traditional sound punching though. I definitely hear a Helloween vibe to this track.
“The Invisible Man” has a cool progressive sound to it reminiscent of an old school Queensryche groove. This is the longest song on the album at just over five minutes.
“Tyrants Rule” begins with an acoustic guitar then the song just takes off into a classic rocker and leads into “Nature’s Legacy” where the guitar assault continue. These are two killer tracks which bring out how technical this band is.
“Inner Self” has another cool progressive sound. The drums keep the blood pumping and really showcases the vocal range that Hübner has.
“Live Your Dreams” is a power ballad on the album. Definitely reminiscent of a 1980’s metal ballad on a more traditional album and hits right on with the musical journey on this album.
“The Drowned” brings the listener back to the fast heavier theme of the album and the high vocals on this are superb. “The Traveller“ finishes the album off in style with a heavily guitar focus with some memorable riffs and solos. I get an Accept guitar groove on this track and the chorus gives you that ear worm that keeps you humming along after the song is finished.
What I love about this album is that Skull & Crossbones lean heavily on the past but really bring a consistent 2023 sound. This album is a great meld of both traditional and progressive genres, which these days is a rare find. The strong vocals and technical musicianship makes this an album I strongly recommend.
Tobi Hübner: Vocals
Volker Schmietow: Guitar
Tobi Kipp: Guitar
Jürgen “ Wanschi” Wannenwetsch: Bass
Marc Oppold: Drums