Viking Skull have to be the single most famous thing to come out of Corby in Northamptonshire since, well, Raging Speedhorn.  It's therefore unfortunate for Corby's bragging rights that Viking Skull are in largely one and the same although operating in a different time line. Through the history of rock and metal the greatest bands have sprung from the dirt and grime of industrial landscapes with the obvious example being Black Sabbath and Birmingham, so has having a similar heritage as Sabbath through living in the shadows of the local steelworks laid the foundations of metal greatness for Viking Skull?

Well the press blurb promotes Viking Skull as consisting of 2 parts Whiskey, Motorhead, Sabbath and Maiden, 1 part W.A.S.P, along with a cupful of AC/DC, and on listening to 'Cursed By The Sword' it would be difficult to disagree.  Although I would add the likes of Clutch to that mix as well to give it a more up to date feel too. 'Cursed By The Sword' is the third full-length shiny piece of silver to be released by these Corby Vikings who have and should continue to be booked for every rock, metal, stoner, biker festival around the globe. There are songs a plenty about beer and woman brewed perfectly for any party, this is "man's metal" with layers of attitude and tongue in cheek humour providing us with song titles such 'You Look Like I Need A Beer', perfect for drunken singalongs at any sweat fest. These words are not intended to cheapen what is on offer here though, as what you don't get is originality but you do get high quality swaggering make you smile bouncing metal with a reminder that not everything in life should be quite so serious.  In fact the members of Viking Skull should be proud of this release, very proud indeed.

There has been some harsh criticism of late regarding the vocals of frontman Roddy Stone and admittedly it took me a while to adjust to his tones, the solution though is very simple as I found, simply turn the volume up loud, give the offerings a chance to be absorbed into the consciousness and before you know it your bouncing around your living room like a loon shouting along to quality lyrics like ''you're a grade A minger' the opening line of 'You look Like You need a Beer' and ladies don't be offended but 'My Bitch Talks Too Much' is so catchy there is an involuntary response from every male in hearing distance to singalong very loudly with a smile on their face, they won't be able to help themselves so don't blame them.

All of us need to be completely stupid and have a laugh at times to have a break from the real world, and this is what Viking Skull provides to the soundtrack of some tremendously catchy metal riffing and they deliver well produced top shelf product in the process. 'Cursed By The Sword' delivers with a punch and a smile, so stop standing at the back acting cool and all intellectual as we're not being fooled by it, have a break, grab a drink and join in as there is plenty of fun in life to be had.

So, if you love all things heavy, and it is very heavy in parts, and are attracted to the fun things in life then you won't go far wrong in investing some hard earned in 'Cursed By The Sword'.

Just play it loud!!!!!!!!

https://www.facebook.com/VikingSkull

To pick up your copy of 'CURSED BY THE SWORD' - Click Here