Skeletoon
They Never Say Die

Nerd metal, it is the new album from the band that invented nerd metal. So says the label and perhaps it is true but it is apparently so that it is the third part in their nerd chronicle or something. Last time around they were Nintendofied in some video and did some remarkable stuff that way but perhaps not as remarkable songs on that album called ticking clock that was described as happy metal two years ago. Not they are doing their power metal interpretation of The Goonies with guest vocalists and everything. Kind of makes the mind wander towards Avantasia, and funnily enough they cover Farewell that was made by Avantasia on The Metal Opera almost twenty years ago now. And it is hopeful to me that this album feels a lot more ambitious than the previous one that was pretty plain power metal; I think that this one has more.

Power metal, with many vocalist they make a varied and almost operatic impression. It is catchy with epic touches, strong vocals and great production by the ever-impressive Simone Mularoni. The variation makes it seems shorter than it is, it is actually a relatively long album but it doesn’t feel like it. They also add two covers, one is Farewell by Avantasia and the other is Goonies R Good Enough that was made by Cindy Lauper in its original form, this adds some nice additional flavour to the album. It may not be the most original album ever, they don’t really offer much that we haven’t heard before but often perfect the craft making their album seem quite fresh and interesting. And it is great.

An album well worth giving much of your time, sure you can argue that having a cover as the best track is a weakness, because I think Farewell is the best on the album. But anyone who knows something knows that it is a track from one of the best power metal albums ever made. Then there is the originality argument and it is also valid but who cares when the band does what they do so well? I know I don’t. Either you are excellent or original, or a little of both. These guys are excellent. And once again they show that the Italians know their power metal. Then I should add that Farewell isn’t the only highlight, the other cover is also great. As is the title track. And I think that the sixth track Last Chance is the second best track on the album, it is great and catchy as hell. All this combined gives an album that is hard to resist.

I think that this one is quite excellent, really exciting, and really good and you can say many good things about it. Skeletoon has really made their magnum opus to date with this album and they have made a really strong power metal album. I think that you should not miss this one if you are a fan of the power metal genre. Who could have known that nerd metal was this great? I know I didn’t.

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