The Mighty Swine
Last Man Standing
Broad Horizon Records
2014
It all started back in 2007 when the Chastain bassist & vocalist, Mike Skimmerhorn decided to form his own band. In 2009, he released the debut “Layin’ Down the Law” and toured extensively for a couple of years. Since then the line-up has totally changed since the guitarists Stacey Donahue and Jeff Tong along with the drummer Rory Faciane came on board.
After a break due to the new Chastain album, “Surrender to No One” which featured Leather Leone on vocals, Mike was ready to release The Mighty Swine’s sophomore album in 2014.
“Last Man Standing” is an album that was made with the old & good 80s metal material but it doesn’t sound retro or dated. Heavy riffs, powerful drumming & strong bass lines are surrounding this album’s music. Mike’s voice is one of those voices that you either love or hate. I do like it cuz’ it reminds me of another guy’s love or hate voice, Mr. Dave Mustaine, who I fancy a lot.
Generally, the songwriting has a Megadeth, Metallica, Judas Priest & Black Sabbath feeling all over it. Probably owing to Mike’s voice, it’s more of a Megadeth influence but that ain’t a bad thing at all, especially now that Megadeth are “lost in space”. Overall, this album’s music is a fine mix of hard & heavy, hard rock, doom metal, heavy metal, classic metal & melodic metal. The production is a tad sharp but heavy & punchy.
This album firstly addresses to the classic metal lovers and those who grew up with the aforementioned bands. That does reveal the true nature of this album; “Last Man Standing” is a pure heavy metal album with ballz. Nothing more or less. Hence, if you’re into heavy metal you should check it out come what may…
PS: The album also contains a cover on Judas Priest’s “Hell Bent for Leather” & the original demo of “Pool of Emptiness”, which was given to the label in 2009, with an updated solo by Stacey.
After a break due to the new Chastain album, “Surrender to No One” which featured Leather Leone on vocals, Mike was ready to release The Mighty Swine’s sophomore album in 2014.
“Last Man Standing” is an album that was made with the old & good 80s metal material but it doesn’t sound retro or dated. Heavy riffs, powerful drumming & strong bass lines are surrounding this album’s music. Mike’s voice is one of those voices that you either love or hate. I do like it cuz’ it reminds me of another guy’s love or hate voice, Mr. Dave Mustaine, who I fancy a lot.
Generally, the songwriting has a Megadeth, Metallica, Judas Priest & Black Sabbath feeling all over it. Probably owing to Mike’s voice, it’s more of a Megadeth influence but that ain’t a bad thing at all, especially now that Megadeth are “lost in space”. Overall, this album’s music is a fine mix of hard & heavy, hard rock, doom metal, heavy metal, classic metal & melodic metal. The production is a tad sharp but heavy & punchy.
This album firstly addresses to the classic metal lovers and those who grew up with the aforementioned bands. That does reveal the true nature of this album; “Last Man Standing” is a pure heavy metal album with ballz. Nothing more or less. Hence, if you’re into heavy metal you should check it out come what may…
PS: The album also contains a cover on Judas Priest’s “Hell Bent for Leather” & the original demo of “Pool of Emptiness”, which was given to the label in 2009, with an updated solo by Stacey.