by Justin Gaines
– Senior Columnist/News Editor —
Seattle-based traditional heavy metal warriors Skelator are back with a new full-length release. King of Fear is the band’s fourth album overall, and first on the Swords and Chains label. The band has been kicking around the underground U.S. traditional metal scene for more than a decade, but it wasn’t until recently that the band moved from raw demos to more polished full-length albums.
Skelator has an interesting sound. Sure, they’re an old school metal band so they’re going to follow the familiar Priest/Maiden/Accept/Dio path, but between their highly melodic approach and fantasy-based lyrical content they’re almost a full-on power metal band. Part Helstar, part Metal Inquisitor and part Iron Savior maybe? The Helstar comparison is thanks largely to Jason Conde-Houston’s vocals, which really stand out and hit some impressive highs. Pair that with driving rhythms that have a classic NWOBHM vibe and the result is just a really fun album, taking you back to metal’s glory days and giving you something to headbang and sing along to.
The thrashing, screaming “Raging Demon” is probably the best song on King of Fear, recalling Judas Priest and Accept. “Stronger Than Steel” is a great metal anthem too, and songs like “Test the Metal” and the title track really capture this band’s spirit and energy.
There are a lot of bands in the U.S. playing traditional metal now, and quite a few of them are really good. It takes something special to stand out in that crowd, and at this point Skalator definitely does that. Their songwriting, musicianship, vocals and overall energy make them one of the more exciting and enjoyable bands in the scene. If you’re into old school metal revivalists like Widow, Night Demon, Air Raid and Enforcer, you’ll want to grab a copy of King of Fear.
Genre: Heavy Metal, Traditional Metal
Band:
Jason Conde-Houston (v)
Patrick Seick (d)
Robbie Houston (g)
Rah Davis (b)
Rob Steinway (g)
Track Listing:
1. King of Fear
2. Stronger Than Steel
3. Temple of the Witch
4. Sword of the Dawn
5. Raging Demon
6. Curse of the Black Hand
7. Test the Metal
8. Honor is Life
9. Necromancer
Label: Swords and Chains
Website: www.facebook.com/trueskelator
Hardrock Haven rating: 8/10
