Skaven – Discography

Skaven was a short-lived but highly acclaimed crust band that captured the sound pioneered by Nausea in the early ’90s and perfected by a handful of bands after 1994.

Formed in 1995, Oakland’s Skaven released a long out-of-print self-titled EP and split releases with the almighty Dystopia and Stormcrow. After the band’s demise in 1997, vocalist Zebediah Gammack formed Demon Steed, while guitarist Geoff Evans became the mastermind behind Asunder.

It’s been a long time, but their music is still alive. Originally recorded nearly two decades ago by Noah Landis (Neurosis) at Polymorph Studios, the long-awaited eight-song Skaven discography has finally been remastered from the original tapes by the genius of Brad Boatright at his famous Audiosiege Sonic Engineering studio. Brad is not only known as the guitarist of From Ashes Rise, but has also remastered such cult records as Sleep’s Dopesmoker LP and recordings by Integrity, Nails, High On Fire, and more. He has done an excellent job again and Skaven’s LP sounds as crushingly good, moody and heavy as ever. It is worth mentioning that each track is a standout in its own right, but they all fit together perfectly, not as a compilation of three different EPs, but as songs written for a full-length album. There’s no doubt that this is fucking serious, crust-driven sludge with pulverizing intensity. One of the best bands I’ve ever heard in the genre, to be honest.

I’m sure that if you’re into mid-’90s crust or the intense music of Dystopia, Damad and early Kylesa, you’ve probably already heard of Skaven and are grateful that the legendary label Skuld Releases is releasing their remastered discography on a single vinyl. Highly recommended, this band was way too good for their discography LP to be missed.