Continuing a series of albums of the transitional death/speed metal hybrids that were pivotal in the development of this musical field, this particular post looks at the debut full-length of Num Skull, an
overlooked American act whose streetwise, thrashing and anthemic songs interlock themselves with a sense of musical structure and execution that bears a strong resemblance to European acts such as Kreator and Sabbat. Whilst not in any way oddballish, the manner in which the musical craft narrates itself bears a strong resemblance to a progressive version of the first Nuclear Assault album, and has a strong sense of rhythmic/percussive tension that is also present in the work of Exhorder, and like said act more tight, muscular and punchy in outcome. As stated earlier, the influence of European bands give Num Skull a highly disciplined finesse for making intense, engaging proto-death metal. Along with their dubiously titled 1986 demo “Num’s The Word”, this is an essential listen, and a great contribution to the furthering structural advancement of bands who would have been embyronic at the time.
Im interested in hearing this, but it is difficult to find this rarity.
Comment by TheWaters — July 2, 2010 @ 18:14
ive been listening to these guys non stop for about a month, everything else i put on makes me feel empty. wopper album, reminds me of Sepultura’s “Beneath the Remains” no filler all killer
Comment by MiddleIndex — July 23, 2010 @ 15:55
Rutually Abused is one of the best THrash Metal Albums ever! actually though the picture of the band is from the “when Suffering comes” CD that got very little distribution from 1996. it was when the band had been playing more of a Brutal American DM style with some Euro influences as they have always had.
Comment by HellBanger — August 13, 2010 @ 15:40