Unitron Painface-Skullcrusher

'Skullcrusher' is the second EP and third overall release by death/groove metal band Painface. After releasing their debut album 'Fleshcraft' in 2000, Painface went inactive up until they reformed in 2008. After hearing this short little EP from 2013, I'm fully convinced that Painface's upcoming new album will be a winner.

Unlike the more groove-oriented death sound of their debut, 'Skullcrusher' puts death at it's front sound mixing in thrash. This is heard in the opening 'Gunslinger' beginning with spoken word before intense fast riffing comes in. The chorus is extremely catchy with the chants of 'Gunslinger' and Anders Colsefini's low growls of 'Choose your firepower'. The title track is a double-bass filled track with gruesome Cannibal Corpse-esque lyrics. On 'Tlalocan' Greg Stravers gives an especially amazing drum performance with more then just double-bass. 'The Dominion' is probably my favorite, having all of the musicians being at their strongest.

Colsefini's vocals are probably among the most varied I've heard in death metal, being able to switch from some of the lowest growls to some of the highest-pitched screams. This is most heard on the final song 'The Dominion'.

Overall, I highly recommend this EP to any fans of death metal. It's a very strong EP with four very memorable songs, and nice to hear that the band has not lost any touch in the thirteen years they were away much less making something even better. Hope you found this review helpful.

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