Skeletonwitch

Athens, ON-based thrashers Skeletonwitch have become considerably more epic on fifth full-length Serpents Unleashed. In terms of aesthetic sophistication and execution, Serpents Unleashed is their most chaotic and sophisticated effort to date. Recorded with Kurt Ballou (Converge), the production matches the compositions, being more nuanced and cleverer, as well as having a more developed low end than ever before. Swirling maelstroms of riffs form song structures that swarm the listener, creating their own suction and undertow. The record contains darker, even blackened moments as well, such as the smouldering "I Am of Death (Hell Has Arrived)" and the weighty stomp of "Burned From Bone." The pace is relentless — a full-tilt raving, always gouging forward. The topics have also gone deeper and darker, with a focus on body horror, on the abjection and destruction of the physical form. Fans will be deeply impressed with the improvement of their songwriting and the record's cohesion, while totally satisfied with the energy and muscle they employed to execute their vision. More importantly, Serpents Unleashed will also certainly win Skeletonwitch a host of new fans.