BIOGRAPHY
Skreamer are a band who have been doing the rounds on the London circuit and working diligently on frequent gigging and promotion. They are a very likable band who connect well with the (mainly very young) fans at their gigs. Unfortunately, the good points don't really extend beyond this.
Let me start by saying that it is very generous to describe their music as death metal. It certainly has death metal elements, but it is clearly more inspired by 'Roots' era Sepultura, Slipknot and other similar styles. Britain has a small, but mighty tradition of producing incredible death metal (read: Benediction, Bolt Thrower) and its saddening to see more recent British efforts.
A huge drawback for this band comes in the shape of the vocals. The bassist and guitarist share vocal duties, but neither are quite up to the duty of being a vocalist in an up and coming band. The vocals are very aggressive, but sound generally uninspired - both in terms of tonality and rhythm. Listening to 'S.M.I.L.E', the cleaner vocals just sound like a poor rip off of James Hetfield, whereas the growls sound forced and angsty as opposed to passionate and powerful. If the band wishes to improve, a full time vocalist must surely be a consideration for them.
My biggest issue with this album is the riffs. All of them sound like rehashed mallcore riffs from the nineties. Why would any band wish to rehash any of the nineties? Honestly, I feel like I'm not getting the punchline to a very bad joke.
Much of the songwriting is overly simplistic. One of the few brighter moments is the use of synth on the title track, but this brief moment of interest is quickly lost in the boring riffs and awful vocals which follow.
There are are stronger points, however. The drummer is clearly very talented and could surely find himself a better outfit in which his talent would be better used and the riffs on 'Straight to Hell' are okay. Unfortunately, the lyrics of this song are cheesy as hell.
All in all, far from a good debut, though with very occasional signs of promise. On the other hand, if you like Slipknot, I'm sure this'll be great for you.
Source: http://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/Skreamer/Blackened_Earth/381878/
LINE UP
Samuel Morter - Lead Guitar and vocals
Serg Ronchetti - Bass Guitar
Steve Walker - Rhythm Guitar
Adam Kniveton - Drums
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Location: London, England (Now living and recording in North Wales)
Status: Active
Formed in: 2010
Genre: Metalcore/ Progressive Metal
Current label: Unsigned/independent
Years active: 2010 - Present
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkreamerOfficial
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/SkreamerOfficial
Merch: http://www.skreamer.bigcartel.com/
Blackened Earth (Full Length Album - 2013)
