RivetSkull’s Cover of Aerosmith’s “Kings and Queens” Off “Trail of Souls: Samsara” Is A Masterful Homage

L-R – Mark X. Plog (Guitar), Chad McMurray (Vocals), Mark Hopkins (Bass), Michael Robson (Drums)

Photo Credit – Niffer Calderwood

Seattle and Los Angeles-based heavy metal four-piece RivetSkull’s re-imagined full-length album was released on July 8th. “Trail of Souls: Samsara” is a complete re-recording of the band’s self-published 2020 album “Trail of Souls”. After self-recording and releasing their debut album during the global pandemic, RivetSkull revisited their songs with professional production that captures the massive sound that fans have come to expect from their live shows. The second single they released was Aerosmith’s classic “Kings and Queens”, a track they say was inspirational to them and that respect is evident in their musicianship and visually in the accompanying music video. They share their thoughts on the release:

“Aerosmith has always been a crossover band between hard rock and heavy metal. Several of their songs were inspirational to us, but none quite as much as ‘Kings and Queens.’ The original was a masterpiece of drama, intensity, and a showcase of vocal skill. All of the years of listening to that song and growing as musicians are poured into this recording. We’re proud of how it all came together.”

RivetSkull is professional through and through and takes pride in maintaining the old-school video they grew up on. When it comes to seeing them live, they sound like an album. There are no backing tracks. Vocalist Chad McMurray’s 9 years of study with Maestro David Kyle (vocal coach to Geoff Tate, Layne Staley, Ann Wilson) means the vocals come across strong and clear just like the album. RivetSkull is a fairly new band but McMurray, drummer Michael Robson, and guitarist Mark X. Plog have been playing together for 7-8 years now. They have a great rapport musically and onstage, and seasoned bassist Mark Hopkins, who used to own a recording studio, brings a great ear for music.

Recorded at London Bridge Studio (Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Queensrÿche) and produced by Matt Hyde (Slayer, Deftones, Seether), “Trail of Souls: Samsara” promises much more than a sonic retouch of the original.

The reworked collection features new cover artwork and is recommended for fans of Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and Def Leppard.

The music video for “Kings and Queens” can be seen and heard below.

“Trail of Souls: Samsara” is available on all digital platforms at the following link –https://lnk.to/TrailOfSoulsSamsara

Music Video – “Crash and Burn”

Track Listing:
1. Crash and Burn (2:49)
2. Forever (5:24)
3. Mystified (3:45)
4. Another Way to Heaven (7:29)
5. Narcissus (5:01)
6. Trail of Souls (4:04)
7. It’s Not Enough (4:02)
8. Kings and Queens (Aerosmith cover) (5:16)
Album Length: 37:54

For more info:
http://www.rivetskull.com
http://www.facebook.com/rivetskull
http://www.twitter.com/rivetskull
http://www.instagram.com/rivetskull

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