StillSkin, is a heavy melodic rock band from Sweden, who released their latest album, Love Hate, back on February 21st of this year. They released the album independently, but are managed by the great PR firm, Blindfoldead International Management.
StillSkin has been together since 2017, and they have three albums to their credit. In 2018, they released their self-titled debut album. In 2023, they released Through Time. And last year they released a live acoustic EP set of some of their previously recorded songs, on the EP, Off the Grid.
There are three members who make up StillSkin. They include, Bonnie Jones, on lead vocals; Michael Kristensen, on guitars and backing vocals; and Jacob Maribo, who also plays guitar and sings backing vocals. The band does not credit anyone for drums, or keyboards, but both exist on this album.
Since she is the highlight of the band’s sound, we’ll discuss Bonnie Jones. Her voice reminds me of a good mix between the voices of Alannah Myles, (“Black Velvet”), or Christina Amphlett of the Divinyls. A comparison to either one of those singers should make any hard-rocking female singer smile. The double guitar player set-up is another great highlight of the band’s sound. Two guitarists are always better than one, in my book.
“Don’t Take Cover,” opens with beautiful symphonic orchestration, with strings and regal horns. It almost sounds as good as a James Bond Theme soundtrack, opening. Then, the heavier electric metal guitars, bass, and drums take over. Bonnie Jones sings, “There’s no way to mend a broken heart. Don’t take cover. No one says this is the easy part. Love makes no sound.” A song about dealing with the ups and downs of romantic love. The electric guitar soloing is intense and enjoyable. Off to a good start.
“Rumors,” is a hard rocking song. Bonnie Jones sings, “Rumors travel fast around this crazy old town. Tales of how you live your life. Don’t ever let them win. Never let them underneath your skin. Try to rise above it all. I will fight for my right to be just who I am!” A song about not compromising your beliefs or your modus operandi, based on rumors going around the city, or other people’s rumors.
“How Can it Be,” opens with full scale drums and Bonnie Jones singing vocalizations, before the full power of the metal electric guitars enter the soundscape. Bonnie Jones sings, “Do it my way.” Another song about personal direction, and making your own way in this difficult world, with all its outside pressures. Great electric guitar soloing; something you always get when the band has more than one guitarist, it seems.
“I Know It’s Wrong,” opens with slow electric guitar chords. This song sounds more like a ballad. Bonnie Jones sings, “Even though it’s an empty highway. I’m gonna see my way thorough.” A song about difficult romantic relationships. Bonnie sings, “I know it’s wrong to feel the way I do. I know it’s all wrong to feel this way about you.” That doubt we all go through when we are trying to find the perfect person to spend time with, especially the rest of a lifetime. Bonnie Jones sings, “We can do anything. The stars will lead the way. You and me. Maybe someday!”
“Dementia,” opens with wonderful keyboards or orchestration. Soft and calm, with strings and even more orchestration. Sounding like a small orchestra, just before the metal guitars, bass, and drums kick open the door to the soundscape. The lyrics paint a sad song, as the title of the track has forewarned.
“Never Alone,” opens with Bonnie Jones singing, “Dark skies are all around you and closing in. The rain falls and hides your tears. Although the pain remains. Don’t give up on your dreams. You’re never alone.” A great rocking fight song to encourage the listener to stay on the path towards success that they are on, and don’t let problems change your course. Keep fighting for your dreams. There are some more very good electric guitar solos on this song. Another optimistic, don’t give up, anthem. Thank you, we can never have enough encouraging songs.
“Love Hate,” is the title track and it opens with grinding lead electric guitar. This song has a male singer leading the vocals this time. Bonnie Jones joins in and the duet gets going. They trade barbs and commentary about the album’s main subject – love and hate.
“Jealous Woman,” opens with electric guitar and drums. Bonnie Jones sings, “This is a strange position you put me in.” A commentary about having a thought about what actions you can take to avoid frustrating someone else, or compromising their positive opinion of you.
“The Vale,” opens with some very cool Dream Theater – like electric guitar and drums. Bonnie Jones sings some of her best vocals. This song does sound so much different than the rest of the album. Maybe the best song on the album. More of these songs would have raised the caliber of the music on this album. The electric guitar soloing is the best on the album. Whatever inspired this song, or how they designed it, they should study it and try to match its level on future albums. “I’m alive,” Bonnie sings and yes, this song absolutely elevates the soundscape.
“Girls Night Out,” is what I thought it might be. A heavy metal rocker closer, to send everyone on their way with something to remember. Bonnie Jones sings about being out on the town, having fun, and rocking the landscape. You can even hear bar room effects, amidst the metal electric guitar soloing.
StillSkin’s Love Hate, is one of those kinds of albums. Either you will love it or hate it. I like it, because I like rocking on the weekends, and this music is perfect for going out, on the town, and rocking. But if you were expecting something heavier or lighter you may not like it. However, that is why you should give it a chance and listen to it. Just to see what it is like. A good rocking album full of inspirational lyrics and music that will keep you entertained.
Album Track List:
- Don’t Take Cover
- Rumors
- How Can it Be
- I Know It’s Wrong
- Dementia
- Never Alone
- Love Hate
- Jealous Woman
- The Vale
- Girls Night Out
Band Website and Social Media Links:
https://www.stillskin.dk
Shop:
https://stillskin.bandcamp.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/StillSkinDK
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/stillskinrock
X:
https://x.com/StillSkinDK
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/32UtJFpKql2zpSFtFjy3p1?si=jO4ejLFzRQeg584KoUPULg
Discogs:
https://www.discogs.com/artist/12864647-Stillskin
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/blindfoldeadofficial
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bfi.management
Discogs:
https://www.discogs.com/label/488635-Blindfoldead-International
YouTube and Music Video Links: