Place Of Skulls--Nailed CD
Southern Lord 2002
So, you've been guitarist in arguably the greatest doom band of all time and had a hand in writing some of the genre's absolute classic tracks. How do you follow that up? If you're ex-Pentagram axeman Victor Griffin, you nab the rock-solid rhythm section of fellow former Pentagram-er Lee Abney on bass with powerhouse drummer Tim Tomaselli and start a new legacy of excellence under the name Place Of Skulls. With their debut album, Nailed, Place Of Skulls have indeed set an amazing pace to keep track with in the future.
Understandably, there is a similarity in Place Of Skulls sound to that of Pentagram--Griffin was one of that band's primary songwriters. However, there is something in what Place Of Skulls does that is also vaguely similar sounding to Spirit Caravan--most evident on tracks like "Never Die" and "Song Of Soloman". This being said, through these similarites, Place Of Skulls always maintain a sound that is distinct and original.
One main thing that will stick out to diehard Pentagram fans upon close listen to Nailed is the expression of Christian beliefs in Place Of Skulls lyrics (fellow believers will be blown away by Victor's extremely classy and well-spoken thoughts on belief in Psychedelic Zine's eighth issue, viewable here). The great thing about this is Place Of Skulls never come off as "preachy" at any point on the album. It's obvious this band respects individual choice on the topic of spirituality but will not be timid in stepping up and expressing how they truly feel, either. That is an extremly redeemable facet of the material and it gives the songs an additional sense of strength--probably aided further by a reportedly newfound sobriety.
Starting over from scratch can make for rough transitions. However, Victor Griffin has managed to slide right back into form with his Place Of Skulls cohorts. Uplifting, positive, but still brutally heavy, thanks in large part to Griffin's patented sinster doom riffage, Nailed is one of the best albums you're likely to hear this year of 2002. If you need further convincing, go see this band live--there will be no doubt in your mind you're in the presence of greatness.
Score this CD directly from SOUTHERN LORD
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