SKULL & CROSSBONES – Time (2025) *HQ*
320_1 /// 320_2 /// HQ 1 /// HQ 2
We were impressed by their debut album ‘Sungazer’ from 2023, and now German act SKULL & CROSSBONES hopes to keep the classic traditional heavy metal style alive with power & glory for their sophomore outing ”Time”. Gaining a new drummer in Bernd Heining (ex-Ivanhoe, ex-Chinchilla), the formula rolls forward in these 10 tracks – occasionally throwing a bluesy or introspective aspect to expand the parameters on display. These gentlemen aren’t newcomers to this style, and as such use the modern tools at their disposal to balance their older influences with a sound that could also gravitate towards a youthful audience.
The five-piece checks off numerous traits associated in quality output for this genre. Proficient guitar volleys where steady main hooks and fiery lead play elevate to hero-like measures? “Labyrinth of Time” easily fulfills that mission. High register vocals plus complimentary Queen / Helloween-like choir parts to emphasize spots where unison audience action should take place? Look no further than the Maiden-esque “Time Thief” in that regard.
Appropriate sound effects that enhance the dramatic nature of a composition? “Thunderstorm” fits that bill, the driving nature of the verses to a thoughtful chorus rivalling the best of Judas Priest anthems during the Painkiller-era.
As the record rolls forward, plenty of driving riffs with the right metal spirit shine through – “Passing Hours” featuring pure gold twin guitar harmonies, Tobi Hübner’s helium-oriented vocal power keeps the band aligned with classic Stratovarius in that regard.
The semi-ballad “Nocturnal Dreams” has this American singer / songwriter flow in the verses before reaching brighter metal choir colors in the chorus, while the lead break maintains that classy stance of bygone days in the early hard rock/metal landscape. And if you want a playful metal anthem with the right Celtic / folk-like gallops and vocal support, “The Ocean’s Call” gets that job done and more.
An effective, old-school Euro flavored classic metal effort, with an updated crisp production job.
Highly Recommended
01. Echoes of Eternity
02. Labyrinth Of Time
03. Time Thief
04. The Illusionist
05. The Price
06. Thunderstorm
07. Passing Hours
08. Eye Of Wisdom
09. Nocturnal Dreams
10. The Ocean’s Call
Tobi Hubner – Vocals, Keyboards
Volker Schmietow – Guitars
Tobi Kipp – Guitars
Jurgen Wannenwetsch – Bass
Bernd Heining – Drums
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