Seattle and Los Angeles-based heavy metal four-piece RivetSkull’s re-imagined full-length album is now available on all digital music services. Trail Of Souls: Samsara is a complete re-recording of the band’s self-published 2020 album Trail Of Souls. After self-recording and releasing their debut album during the global pandemic, RivetSkull revisited their songs with professional production that captures the massive sound that fans have come to expect from their live shows. In support of their album's release, the band drops their next music video for the single, “Forever”.
The band shares their thoughts on the upcoming release:
“We originally wrote ‘Forever’ in 2019 when the world was, once again, in a strange place and the US was experiencing a significant political and religious divide. Two years later, the world would be forever changed by Covid. Then again, in 2022 with more war in Ukraine, inflation, and political and religious agendas driving even more distance between us. ‘Forever’ is about the repeating cycle of life’s ups and downs and changes that must forever face and come to terms with.”
Trail Of Souls: Samsara has an epic, yet nostalgic feel. Lyrically, vocalist Chad McMurray writes from the heart about things people can relate to, nothing is contrived. RivetSkull isn’t trying to write a certain kind of song and they’re not trying to portray a certain image. They’re not trying to be a tough, brutal band. They’re just normal guys who like metal, much like it was in the 70s - 80s. “I don’t know, maybe we need to bring cod pieces back?” jokes McMurray.
Recorded at London Bridge Studio (Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Queensrÿche) and produced by Matt Hyde (Slayer, Deftones, Seether), Trail Of Souls: Samsara promises much more than a sonic retouch of the original. The reworked collection features new cover artwork and a previously unreleased recording of a cover of Aerosmith’s “King And Queens.”
RivetSkull keeps is classic, and is recommended for fans of Judas Priest, Def Leppard, and Armored Saint.
Stream the album on digital platforms here.
(Photo – Niffer Calderwood)
