### Skeletal Remains: Beyond the flesh

#### 08/11/12 || gk

Why is it that derivative death metal is just so much more fun than derivative thrash metal? I’m not sure but here you have Skeletal Remains whose guitarist, Chris Monroy also plays with thrash revivalists Fueled by Fire. Where Fueled by Fire are one of the more boring bands of that scene, Skeletal Remains are great fun in a completely derivative and “paying homage” to the masters sort of way. The music on offer is old school death metal done the American way. Lots of vaguely familiar sounding riffs, a slight feel of classic Possessed, more than competent guitar work and a clear but classic production job makes “Beyond the flesh” a pretty good debut and Skeletal Remains a band to watch out for. There’s absolutely nothing new here but the band has managed to create a debut that is solidly entertaining for a good 32 minutes.

7.5/10: Derivative but entertaining old school metal of death.