Album Review: Soulskinner – Seven Bowls of Wrath
Reviewed by Paul Hutchings
A dramatic symphonic intro, ‘Tetraktys’ is the gateway to the fifth full-length release by Athenian death metal quintet Soulskinner. With a history dating back over two decades, the Greek outfit has changed line-up several times during their musical journey, with only guitarist Bill Zobolas remaining from the band’s formative years. Seven Bowls of Wrath sees Zobolas joined by new vocalist Marios Lampouridis and drummer George Kanavaris, alongside guitarist Spyros Triantafyllou and bassist Kostas Analytis.
Greece has quite a history of quality death metal, think Rotting Christ and Septicflesh for starters, and Soulskinner are cut from a similar cloth. The members of the band have huge experience across numerous bands, and this is evident in the way they deliver their music. From the opening blast beats of ‘Night’, Soulskinner are tight, a battery of ferocious riffing greeting you but there is also a melodic feel that runs throughout the album, the guitar work more harmonious than might often be expected. Lampouridis’ guttural style fits the band’s sound neatly, growling and roaring to huge effect. Soulskinner are more than just a bludgeoning tool though, with their songs displaying a variety whilst retaining the tremolo riffing that is part of their signature sound. ‘The Principles of Truth’ is a slower, doom laden crushing with some interesting synth sounds which I’m still undecided about. At times, the band mutate into a blistering thrash outfit, which only adds their appeal.
Tracks such as ‘Primitive Light’ and the explosive title track are more straightforward and provide evidence of the band’s ability to power forward, utilising the duel guitar work to maximum effect. In fact, it’s the duel harmonies of the guitars that make this album enjoyable, the as they soar at will. Underneath it all, Soulskinner is a tightly looked unit, their ability to move songs away from the routine another standout factor. The production isn’t the most polished, but for a gnarly, grizzled death metal band that comes as standard. Death metal with combined harshness and melody, it’s an album worthy of your time.
