Friday, May the 13th, The “traditional metal” band, Rivetskull, dropped their first single “Crash and Burn” off their forthcoming album, Trail of Souls: Samsara.
Set to release on July 8th Trail of Souls: Samsara is a full-length re-imagined album of the band’s self-published 2020 album, Trail of Souls.
It’s a fast, fun and hard hitting album that hard rock, classic rock and metal lovers will enjoy.
The L.A/Seattle based quartet is fronted by Chad McMurray (Vox), Mark X. Plog (Guitar), Mark Hopkins (Bass) and Michael Robson (Drums). The band collectively have decades of experience in the music industry and are well known for their broad range of talents on and off the stage.
Lead singer Chad McMurray is a classically trained vocalist who’s styling is influenced by several rock icons ranging from Layne Staley (Alice in Chains) , Ronnie James Dio (DIO) and Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden).
At first listen, Crash and Burn starts fast and furious with a guitar riff that sounds like Tom Petty’s “Runnin’ Down A Dream” mixed with hints of Alice and Chains “Rooster“.
Twelve seconds into the first verse McMurry’s lyrics create instant imagery for the listener:
“I’m not afraid of flying blind.
It’s a long stretch of road I know.
Lights up ahead are flashing,
And it’s too late to turn back now ”
Even without knowing McMurray’s classically trained background, one can hear that he is a master of vocal range. The second verse is a soulful, gritty plea: “Don’t want to lose it all, No I don’t want to lose it all.” That builds in intensity before McMurray’s high hitting operatic notes kicks in for the chorus:
“Hey you, I won’t stop believing!
“Hey you, not gonna fall for a crash and burn!”
The single is short and plays at 2:50 and you almost wish it was a bit longer.
Michael Robson’s drum style is exceptional and sets the pace of the song’s rhythm.
Paired with Plog’s electric guitar it is musically controlled chaos. You can almost imagine a small circle pit forming with smiling fans losing their shoes mid air.
The single’s meaning can be left to the listener’s interpretation, which always makes for great art.
Maybe it’s about overcoming a hardship and looking down the path to recovery or success? Maybe you’ve taken a wrong turn, got lost or lost your faith? Maybe it’s just about finding your own path and ignore others as you travel down your own road?
Give the single a listen and make your own interpretation.
Expect to see more on the rock n roll horizon from Rivetskull in the next couple of months!
