Place of Skulls – As A Dog Returns

Releasedate: 30-09-2010; Label: Exile On Mainstream
By: Sabine van Gameren

The American band Place of Skulls got formed in 2000. They make Doom Metal and their fourth album called “As A Dog Returns” is out now.

Place of Skulls is maybe not the most traditional Doom band you can imagine, but this is what they give you deep guitar riffs, dipped in darkness and melodies that embrace sadness and killing hope. Vocals on the other side seemed to be the factor that gives a reasonable doubt about the genre, but when forgetting about this less important factor you hear a voice that is influenced by the past. Hard rock, 70’s, 80’s and now. Lyrically there seems to be a lot about Christianity. Not really a good thing to see it so overly present as you realize that most metalfans are not exactly waiting for this sort of themes in the music, but rather listen to that what set the genre to his reputation.
In the end, “As A Dog Returns” is a decent album, doesn’t make too much of an impression as it will be the next favorite act, but surely made a good release which got its power in the riffage with some vocal strength to backup. Worth to see live, that for sure.

Line Up:
Victor Griffin – Vocals, Guitar
Lee Abney – Bass
Tim Tomaselli – Drums

Tracklist: 01.Timeless Hearts 02.Breath of Life 03.Though He Slay Me 04.Psalm 05.Dayspring 06.The Maker 07.He’s God 08.Desperation (Steppenwolf cover) 09.As a Dog Returns

Links:
Place of Skulls MySpace