Skull Fist

Looking at countries of origin of NWOTHM bands, there are two centres of the movement. One is Sweden - you can already read more about two most notable of them in NWOTHM section and much more will soon appear. The other one is Canada - and that's where these guys are from.

Band was founded in 2006 in Toronto by Jackie Slaughter (vocals and guitars), currently accompanied by Casey Guest (bass), Johnny Exciter / Jonny Nesta (guitars) and JJ Tartaglia (drums). A fact worth noting is that one of their ex-members was Alison Thunderland (till 2011), now playing drums in Axxion.

2010 saw the release of "Heavier than Metal" EP, which contained "No False Metal" and "Ride the Beast", previously featured on a 2-track demo in 2006. EP got a positive reception which opened the doors for touring not only in Canada, but also worldwide. Much of their touring still happens around North America but on several occasions they also visited Europe. Those occasions included tours with Bullet, Sabaton, Grand Magus, a tour with Steelwing in 2012, Metalfest Open Airs the same year and a tour with Enforcer and Vanderbuyst in 2014.

Only a year - and several line-up changes - after releasing their EP, Skull Fist recorded their first full-length entitled "Head öf the Pack" and again got very positive reviews. Fast and badass and yet not deprived of catching melodies. One of the highlights of their music is surely the shredder guitar duet Slaughter/Nesta. Together with characteristic vocals this creates unique and recognizable sound that makes them one of the most reknown bands of movement. And surely one of the best.

In 2014 they released second LP, "Chasing the Dream", again received well. This album is more consistent as the previous one and their style surely improves over the time. But I've heard people complaining about the sound of vocals. I've got to admit, if somebody does not like things like that, the effects applied to vocals may be quite annoying at the beginning. But overall the music that they serve us with this album compensates for any inconvenience.

What I think is quite important when we speak about Skull Fist is that there is great deal of fun and craziness in them and in whatever they do. These guys sure know how to rock - and they are really deciated to heavy metal lifestyle. But they also know how to make people love them. No matter how much of a success will they have in the future - I think their dedicated fans will follow them no matter what.