Wasteland Skills
Originally formed in 2008 in Kristianstad, Sweden, Wasteland Skills have participated in Band Unsigned competition, fighting off tough competition to reach fourth place out of 300. In 2009 they recorded their first music video for ‘Fire Under My Feet’ and in 2010 started the recording of their 6-track EP, followed up with a signing to Amplifi Management Sweden.
‘Fire Under My Feet’ begins with a rapid guitar beat with some serious drumming following it up with what seems to be some seriously impressive double pedalling before Andy Ols opens up with a throat killing, guttural scream. The music seems almost haunting in its tone, and continues for a little while before Andy gets going on the verse. His voice has a force behind it, like he really wants to push forth the questions he is asking and get the answer one way or another. The verse takes a subtle tempo change, with possibly steely detuned bass coming to the fore while Andy persists in ripping his throat apart with tense lyrical precision. The chorus is slightly reminiscent of Killswitch Engage with its tempo change and the stylistic alteration of the delivery of vocals, yet all the way through the drums are constant and unyielding. The second verse begins as the first, yet the mood of the song changes – the guitars become more intense and Andy’s vocal become darker with possible hints of Trivium in there. The latter quarter of the song sees another tempo change, this time to the original tune of the song, all the while with the drums tearing it up and Andy giving it all. It’s a powerful song, and although not necessarily what I would listen to, I’d definitely make space for it on my generic mp3 player.
‘Resistance’ begins with an almost Disturbed-esque style synthesised intro with a short, sharp drum intro and the guitars offering an undulating note pattern. As with ‘Fire Under My Feet’ the music seems haunting, and for a short instance before the vocals kick in it feels very much like a Godsmack track. Andy again offers a drawn out screech before his strained lyrics kick in. The guitars are set at an incredible pace with the drums as always beating off in the background. The chorus sees a slight tempo change, with the guitars becoming blocky in their delivery dominated by the snare and hi-hats. The second verse is as energetic as the first, though at around 2 minutes the guitars get softer and Andy’s vocals become slightly less intense and melodic, though still drawn out and powerful. A short guitar solo sees the chorus repeated until finally the song draws to a close with Andy’s signature screech.
To find out more about Wasteland Skills, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Mike Harris
‘Fire Under My Feet’ begins with a rapid guitar beat with some serious drumming following it up with what seems to be some seriously impressive double pedalling before Andy Ols opens up with a throat killing, guttural scream. The music seems almost haunting in its tone, and continues for a little while before Andy gets going on the verse. His voice has a force behind it, like he really wants to push forth the questions he is asking and get the answer one way or another. The verse takes a subtle tempo change, with possibly steely detuned bass coming to the fore while Andy persists in ripping his throat apart with tense lyrical precision. The chorus is slightly reminiscent of Killswitch Engage with its tempo change and the stylistic alteration of the delivery of vocals, yet all the way through the drums are constant and unyielding. The second verse begins as the first, yet the mood of the song changes – the guitars become more intense and Andy’s vocal become darker with possible hints of Trivium in there. The latter quarter of the song sees another tempo change, this time to the original tune of the song, all the while with the drums tearing it up and Andy giving it all. It’s a powerful song, and although not necessarily what I would listen to, I’d definitely make space for it on my generic mp3 player.
‘Resistance’ begins with an almost Disturbed-esque style synthesised intro with a short, sharp drum intro and the guitars offering an undulating note pattern. As with ‘Fire Under My Feet’ the music seems haunting, and for a short instance before the vocals kick in it feels very much like a Godsmack track. Andy again offers a drawn out screech before his strained lyrics kick in. The guitars are set at an incredible pace with the drums as always beating off in the background. The chorus sees a slight tempo change, with the guitars becoming blocky in their delivery dominated by the snare and hi-hats. The second verse is as energetic as the first, though at around 2 minutes the guitars get softer and Andy’s vocals become slightly less intense and melodic, though still drawn out and powerful. A short guitar solo sees the chorus repeated until finally the song draws to a close with Andy’s signature screech.
To find out more about Wasteland Skills, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Mike Harris