We begin our gruesome journey with “Tonight, There Will Be No Survivors” and it really kicks off the album with a bang. From the screeching, jazzy guitars and fast-paced drums that it starts with, to the country-twang feel, you get what you really crave from the Skeletones right from the beginning. One of my next favourites off of this release is “Mortuary Academy”, which has a heavier, punk sound to it, wailing organs to compliment it and such a great sing-a-long chorus that you’ll have stuck in your rotting noggin all evening!
“Walk with Me”, another solid hit on this amazing album, really hits on all the things I love about Danzig and the Misfits kind of sound, with Zombina herself sounding as though she may be Danzig's younger sister. “Don’t go into the Light” is one I must speak about, as it is such a great song with a big horn and guitar intro that leads into a dark, horrorpunk/rock n' roll sounding track that really makes you feel as though you’re in an undead jazz club. Finally, “Ginferno” really rocks this album over the top with surfy, reverb-drenched guitars and amazing sounding horns, once again polishing off the soundscapes.
Overall this album front-to-back is a killer. It doesn’t have a single weak song, with each progressing track getting more and more interesting. From the tribal sound of “How to Make a Monster”, to the upbeat, more pop-punk style of “The Negative Zone” (talk about a juxtaposition!) it just rocks and rolls its way along. It’s a must have if you dig Zombina and the Skeletones, and if you like horror-themed rock and roll or punk as well. Even if you are a rockabilly or just a country fan there’s a solid track on there for you!
Rating: 9/10 Skulls
Available on CD/digital from:
http://zombinaandtheskeletones1.bandcamp.com/album/charnel-house-rock-2
Reviewed by the Ghoul