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GRIMSKULL
Awake Asleep

Skullcrack (2022)
Rating: 7/10

So, my vocal issues come to the fore again as Norway’s Grimskull issues its third full-length album since forming back in 2009. Unfortunately, crooner Trygve Johan Solheim has a rather irritating tone which remains off-key and unconvincing, but then again the whole album is flawed; the production is thin and when the bass of Marita Sundet has more oomph than the vocals you know there is a problem.

Even so, Grimskull’s latest offering does offer some nice subtle tricks, more so in the guitar work from Trygve although it is still standard New Wave Of British Heavy Metal worship. Also, the drums of Geir Arne Solheim seem to struggle to be heard, so again it’s down to the production. If only this album had been more fleshed out, so to speak, but as it stands it’s all delivered in rather tepid fashion which is a shame because there are some solid melodies throughout this eight-track affair.

The opening title track is evidence of the vocal frailties, but the song does gallop along nicely even if the drums seem to come across as mere clicks. I like the atmosphere of namesake track ‘Grimskull’ with its decidedly 80s intro and chugging, while ‘Count Of Darkness’ is also evocative and catchy. But again, I just want the whole sound to grab me by the throat and Grimskull never quite get there except for Marita’s sturdy bass.

After being around for over a decade I’d be expecting a better delivery production wise, and while Trygve gives it his all his tone is somewhat weak and just doesn’t benefit what’s going on around him. A track such as ‘Iron Eyes’ deserves a far meatier and ominous vocal growl because musically it’s ghoulish and initially doomy before trudging along efficiently.

Awake Asleep is underwhelming in certain departments and that stops it being the fiery release I was expecting.

Neil Arnold

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