Squidhammer Metal was formed in 2009 on a farm outside of Watertown, Wisconsin by vocalist Jake Hiller and guitarist Jake Schultz. Over the years there have been some line-up changes, but eventually the quartet (Brevin Becker, drums, and bassist Scott Scharf complete the line-up) have completed their debut studio album. Heavily influenced by Pantera, it is easy to dismiss this album when only playing it through the once as being yet another heavy groove-laden band with little to offer. But, after this has been played two or three times the realisation slowly dawns that these guys really have something to offer.

The name may seem something of a joke, but the music certainly isn’t. Hiller has a great gruff vocal style, while the rhythm section keep it tied down, but the true star is Schultz who is a real find. He is happy to blast off the solos or high counter melodies when he needs to, bringing feedback to bear if it feels right, but he has a Dimebag/Zakk Wylde approach to incredibly heavy riffs combined with groove that definitely makes him stand out. This is no nonsense metal, which is out to ensure that there are no prisoners whatsoever as they have all bene blasted through a wall by the sheer volume and attack of what is taking place. These guys must melt the stage when they play. It can only be a matter of time until this is picked up by a major, get past the bandname and listen to some incredibly powerful metal.

Rating: 8/10

Links:
https://www.squidhedz.com/