Uploaded September 2022 | Updated September 2026, 34 minutes ago
Often times I see & read about people's deep passions for heavy music; how it invigorates them, motivates them,...gives them purpose in whatever endeavor they pursue. I can empathize. It is those same desires that have kept me driven to carry the flag for Texas metal via RMW ALL these years. However, I will add ONE more item to that listing & that is 'hope'; the hope that a band will come out of the woodwork & share their respective passions with me; the hope that NEW music will again help me resonate those desires; the hope that a band will make me PROUD of our SA scene; the hope that a band will again provide me the continued purpose to do what I do here at the program. AND, by the grace of the Universal Power,....that has transpired for me this past year when I first heard of the band, SKUM. The band truly first came to my attention at last year's 'Local Disturbance' event (promoted by JC Productions) & without a single recorded track in the market were garnishing fans by the hoards with their youthful, energetic & rambunctious performances. Throughout my career, I had seen this before, but there was something far more intriguing here,....& that was the hard hitting cadense of their songs. Because of their youth I was certian that I wouldn't hear an appealing recording for years to come. I'm so happy I was wrong, because at the beginning of 2022, I was contacted by SA producer extraodinaire, Clifton Miles. I was sent 2 tracks: 'Wolf in Sheeps Clothing' & 'Trapped' (a song that has yet to be played live by the band) & I was SOLD! The songs were exhuberant! They manifested all the elements I love about heavy music: the heavy crunch, big hooks, varied vocal attacks, melody & HIGH quality production. I knew I wanted to support this band & despite their adolescence give them our platform to shine. SO, on August 20th, 2022 I invited the band (& their entourage) over for what would turn out to be an evening of authenticity, adulation & brotherhood. In the interview below you will see us speak about: the early formation (& re-branding) of SKUM, their unique sound (& deep lyrics), recording with Clifton (& the recording process), the origins of the 'mask', the risks associated with 'Trapped', the intensity of their live shows & MUCH more! I hope ALL the RMW Familia will take the time to WATCH this one & learn about one of the MOST promising bands in the Texas scene. To the guys in SKUM (& Abraham) - THANK YOU for your respect & love,...& for fulfilling my 'hope'. I had a WONDERFUL time having you here in the RMW Studio. Happy Labor Day everyone. Enjoy! ~ El Mero Metal
Often times I see & read about people's deep passions for heavy music; how it invigorates them, motivates them,...gives them purpose in whatever endeavor they pursue. I can empathize. It is those same desires that have kept me driven to carry the flag for Texas metal via RMW ALL these years. However, I will add ONE more item to that listing & that is 'hope'; the hope that a band will come out of the woodwork & share their respective passions with me; the hope that NEW music will again help me resonate those desires; the hope that a band will make me PROUD of our SA scene; the hope that a band will again provide me the continued purpose to do what I do here at the program. AND, by the grace of the Universal Power,....that has transpired for me this past year when I first heard of the band, SKUM. The band truly first came to my attention at last year's 'Local Disturbance' event (promoted by JC Productions) & without a single recorded track in the market were garnishing fans by the hoards with their youthful, energetic & rambunctious performances. Throughout my career, I had seen this before, but there was something far more intriguing here,....& that was the hard hitting cadense of their songs. Because of their youth I was certian that I wouldn't hear an appealing recording for years to come. I'm so happy I was wrong, because at the beginning of 2022, I was contacted by SA producer extraodinaire, Clifton Miles. I was sent 2 tracks: 'Wolf in Sheeps Clothing' & 'Trapped' (a song that has yet to be played live by the band) & I was SOLD! The songs were exhuberant! They manifested all the elements I love about heavy music: the heavy crunch, big hooks, varied vocal attacks, melody & HIGH quality production. I knew I wanted to support this band & despite their adolescence give them our platform to shine. SO, on August 20th, 2022 I invited the band (& their entourage) over for what would turn out to be an evening of authenticity, adulation & brotherhood. In the interview below you will see us speak about: the early formation (& re-branding) of SKUM, their unique sound (& deep lyrics), recording with Clifton (& the recording process), the origins of the 'mask', the risks associated with 'Trapped', the intensity of their live shows & MUCH more! I hope ALL the RMW Familia will take the time to WATCH this one & learn about one of the MOST promising bands in the Texas scene. To the guys in SKUM (& Abraham) - THANK YOU for your respect & love,...& for fulfilling my 'hope'. I had a WONDERFUL time having you here in the RMW Studio. Happy Labor Day everyone. Enjoy! ~ El Mero Metal
