First off, this is a very professionally done self-released, self-produced EP. According to the band's press release these songs were mixed by none other than "acclaimed producer" Simon Efemey (of Napalm Death and Paradise Lost "fame") at Chapel Studios in Lincolnshire, England and mastered by "studio wizard" Alan Douches (Nile and Mastodon, among many others) at West West Side Music in New York. The sound quality is definitely there. And the music?

Overall there seems to be a Sacred Reich vs. Machine Head vs. Prong vibe in the vocal department. An occasional Joey Belladonna-esque inflection offers a touch of additional melody while a prototypical NYHC shout-along chorus comes now and again. The drumming is quite good as is the bass, which is very discernible in the mix. Speed and groove are present and a 1996 Sepultura vs. 1999 Slipknot down-tuned groove is faithfully emulated on "Engines." Pretty memorable riffs and great, blazing leads are present in spades on these 3 songs but more would be better.

Skullshifter is primarily a Thrash affair and that's fine by me. Thrash is, after all, my first love. At times the band's sound seems to veer into different areas almost as if each song of this trio could have been done by a different band. That certainly speaks to a sense of variety but might also point to a lack of a cohesive, unifying, or definitive sound. Regardless, I think the band is mostly successful with this effort and all will be revealed with the full length release.

written by Tony Belcher

Playing time: 15.36