Skull & Crossbones | Time | Massacre Records

Release Date: 14 November 2025

Format: Digital/CD/Vinyl

Genre: Power Metal

Country: Germany

Skull & Crossbones return with “Time”, their second full length, and they sound more grounded, more confident, and more expressive than on their debut. The band formed from former members of Stormwitch, later building its own identity through steady touring and a melodic heavy metal approach that leans on big hooks and clear storytelling. “Time” shows a band that knows exactly where its strengths lie, and uses them with precision.

Produced together with Marc Ayerle, the album comes wrapped in a bright, modern sound that suits the band’s dramatic edge. The themes circle around human struggle, the passing of life and the strange tricks that time plays on us, always carried through vivid imagery and direct lyrics. The cover art by Michael Vetter adds to that sense of a journey, a reminder that the band thinks in full statements rather than just individual songs.

“Echoes Of Eternity”, the first single, is a fitting introduction, using its soaring chorus to anchor the album’s more reflective side. Skull & Crossbones lean into strong vocals and melodic leads, shaping songs that carry emotional weight without drowning the listener. “Labyrinth Of Time” follows with a more urgent tone, drawing the listener into darker corners of the album’s concept. “Time Thief” keeps that energy alive with tighter phrasing and a focus on inner turmoil.

“The Illusionist” brings a theatrical touch, pairing dramatic guitars with Tobias Hübner’s expressive delivery. “The Price” moves in a harsher direction and delivers its ideas without unnecessary ornamentation. “Thunderstorm” rises through its power metal roots with strong choruses and well placed keys that bring a broader tone. “Passing Hours” is the most reflective track on the album, allowing the band to explore a more atmospheric side without drifting away from their core metal sound. “Eye Of Wisdom” returns to a brighter path, linking introspective lyrics with an uplifting chorus. “Nocturnal Dreams” takes a slightly more mysterious slant, then the finale “The Ocean’s Call” arrives with a playful pirate spirit that closes the album with a smile rather than a sigh.

“Time” works because it commits to strong songwriting and straight to the point heavy metal. Skull & Crossbones choose melody, drama and big choruses as their weapons, and they use them with focus and care. The album is easy to follow, rich in character, and delivers a fully formed identity without drifting into excess. It is an album that invites replay, packing enough emotion and power to stay in the ears long after it ends. One of the best power metal albums of the year out of nowhere.

Score: 8.5

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