Wall of silent’s self-titled album
Hailing from Palmerston North, Wall of Silents is a four piece Doom/Stoner Metal outfit. They were quick to establish themselves on the local pub scene and always put on an energetic performance. James Skeletor the singer on stage has always reminded me of early Ozzy Osbourne although vocally very much different. I have witnessed several of their gigs and must admit I’m always head banging by the second song. It’s hard to label their sound as although their sound can be often doom stoner type metal there are lots of hints of thrash and punk somewhat reminiscent of the Misfits and Ramones and the vocal style reminding me of Cronos from Venom and Jeff Walker from Carcass.
Their self-title album was released in 2005 but doesn’t feel aged at all; in fact rather the reverse as it has an early British metal sound to it. This album was their only full length release with an EP being released prior.
From the opening track the influence of horror movies is apparent with this band. The first track opening with dialogue then into a doom inspired instrumental which appears to be where most of this album goes.
'National High' has some nice leads in there and almost a smidgen of Celtic frost in his voice at one point as Skeletor changes from his guttural sound to a rasping growl.
'Last House On The Left' which is of course inspired by the horror of the same name is a more fast paced punkish track that’s definitely a fan favourite always gets the pit moving.
'Billion', 'Samurai' and 'Nightmare' are all stomping Doom numbers. This is where guitarist J comes to the fore. 'Samurai' is definatly one of my favourites in a very Sabbath inspired track J has created a nice little meandering solo over the top in a very relaxed style of lead which I have always enjoyed from him.
There are several songs which are more Thrash inspired with some punk leanings but all have very Sabbath and early metal leanings. The album is filled with samples from various movies and all the artwork illustrations are done by James Skeletor the vocalist keeping within the horror theme making it almost looking like something Rob Zombie could have produced.
Unfortunately they now gig very little but Skeletor can now be seen as part of Project Blood. Be sure to buy this album if you ever see it, because it’s sure to make your head bang.
Forming in late 2003 Wall of Silents unleashed their own brand of loud and heavy noise on the unsuspecting populace of Palmerston North. A demo was recorded and after a few early shows and house parties line up changes were inevitable with members lack of commitment.
A settled line up was formed after firstly Ben in 2004 and then Skeletor in 2005 joined original members Jay and Aaron. Songs were written with a new more focused direction taking influence from punk rock n roll, heavy metal, doom and stoner rock. 2005 also saw the recording of the self titled album which one reviewer labelled as "A doom laden aural assault".
More and more shows in town as well as venturing to other parts of the lower North Island followed. New songs were written with an increase in attitude and the band recorded the album "Looking Through Cadaver Eyes" in 2008. Faster and heavier than the previous effort it showed a definite step forward.