Skinless — Only the Ruthless Remain

Returning with their first full length in almost eight years, New York's Skinless are back with their newest slab of heavy, brutal death. Their third release from Relapse Records sees the quintet returning to their classic, late 90's line-up. Skinless shows that despite trends and fads in the death metal world, brutal, crushing grooves never fail to get the blood flowing. Only the Ruthless Remain is seven tracks of pure, unadulterated, death fury that'll get any metalhead stomping, screaming, and air guitaring around his kitchen.

A brief, distant drum acts as the prelude to the opening salvo of "Serpenticide." Low, churning guitars wail sickening riffs over fast, punishing drums while harsh, demonic vocals warn of the listener's impending demise at the hands of a well tuned death machine. Punctuated with tight, headbanging grooves and low, chugging breakdowns, the opener sets the bar high, and thankfully, Skinless refuses to let it fall. This fantastically pure and brutal approach continues throughout the album, and each song helps to reinforce the metal agenda of the one before it. Heavy, grinding grooves on tracks like "Skinless" and "Only the Ruthless Remain" show the boys haven't lost a step in their eight years out, and pummel the listener with their speed and brutality. The skill with which the songs are performed is evidence that Skinless remains a well oiled machine and time stands no chance at rusting this thrashing behemoth. While pounding fury song after song can get tiresome, these metal maniacs eschew the common death fate by basing their attack on a solid foundation of well written riffs and tight song structure. Heavy grooves abound, breakdowns offer brief, palate cleansing respite, and the vocals add a rough, propulsive texture to the mix. While hearkening back to the brutality of the 90's, Skinless show that the door is always open for skilled musicians that really care about their craft.

Proving that classic sounds don't fade, Only the Ruthless Remain reminds the listener that well played and well timed brutality will always reign supreme in the death metal world. Hour long albums with 10 minute tracks will come and go and definitely have their place, but a heavy, grooving 35 minute album consistently pleases. Skinless knows the game that brought them fame (!!), and seamlessly return to form on their latest. After nearly eight years away, one hopes that the boys have caught the bug again and will continue to release more churning, brutal death in the years to come.