Skelethal are a French death metal band and this is their third album.
Skelethal play classic death metal and unleash 40 minutes of carnage across Within Corrosive Continuums. Built upon a sturdy foundation of old-school Swedish death metal, the music is forged from iron and molten lava.
Skelethal balance all-out intensity, slithering riffs, and melodic atmosphere with the skill of artisans. The songs are ripe with aggressive violence, punishing groove, and macabre melody. Skelethal know how to write a good death metal tune, and balance savage delivery against controlled brutality well. The riffs come thick and fast, and the leads scream bloody vengeance.
Skelethal don’t limit themselves to the Swedish style though, and take wider influences into their infectious brand of death metal – Floridian USDM, for example. There are some atypical aspects to the album too at select points, with some unusual choices and creative expressions. Skelethal are clearly a band who aren’t content to simply rehash the past – Within Corrosive Continuums offers a balanced combination of classic carnage and forward-thinking intent, all without losing what it means to be DEATH METAL.
Amidst the bloodshed and mayhem, Skelethal’s material is nuanced and considered. As mentioned, their style is firmly rooted in classic death metal, but they’re not afraid to push themselves into unfamiliar waters either. Eyes Sewn Mouth Full is a prime example of the band’s ability to take an unexpected approach to their songwriting. The track mixes together otherworldly sounds with punk belligerence, deathly power, a psychedelic edge, and an almost Inter Arma-esque feel in places.
Within Corrosive Continuums puts me in mind of a mix of the fury of Conjureth, the esoteric power of Exhumation, the sickening riffs of Morbid Angel, and the crushing might of Dismember. I can also think of other acts where a particular part might remind me of them here and there – Vehemence, Immolation, Horrendous, etc.
This is really good stuff, and unexpectedly adventurous. Within Corrosive Continuums is satisfying and enjoyable in that special way that only timeless old-school death metal can be, yet also offers more than that of your average death metal marauders. Skelethal know their trade very well, and I really like their style on this album; song-focused, well-written, with plenty of good riffs, a sense of holistic shaped direction to the songs, and a purposeful application of savage brutality. What’s not to like?
Very highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 