Skull Crusher – ‘The Nil’ EP

Death Metal

Independent Release

Released – July 3rd 2024

Review By Smudge Smith

With a name like Skull Crusher I wasn’t expecting schmaltzy ballads, oh no! They are in fact an Austrian Death Metal five piece who ran from 1991 until they split in 2000 after releasing three demos and two full length albums. They returned with a single in 2018 and an EP in 2020 called ‘Messiah’ which is the first part of a trilogy of EP’s with this being the second. The third instalment ‘Abyss’ being released I don’t know when. The full title of the trilogy is actually ‘From Messiah into The Nil till the Abyss’.

I was expecting a full-on death metal onslaught for the opening title track but it’s very melodic until Andreas Ibitz opens his gob and that’s where the DM comes in. Same on ‘Crimson’ with some lively harmony guitars and a punchy rhythm section before they step on the gas, and we get a good old-fashioned pummelling before some real technical stuff starts ‘The Blade’ before it settles down into a nasty creepy groove with Christian Bukovac showing his chops then it just flies off on Wolfgang Rathgeb’s hammering of his kit. ‘Prelude To Abyss’ gets even creepier with some shimmering guitars and a dark bassline. They groove on this for a bit before the double kick comes in and we get another fine harmony line from the guitars then Ibitz gets nasty with a different side to his voice. If you want something to scare the kids with then play them this!

Oh yes, some fine death metal that incorporates the old school, some technical stuff and some new stuff too, making it sound as fresh as a daisy. I haven’t heard the first instalment, but I will soon, and I’m really interested to hear what the third part will be like. I’m hooked!

Track List –

1 – The Nil

2 – Crimson

3 – The Blade

4 – Prelude To