14/04/2025
SKULL PRESS was more than just a fanzine—it was the lifeblood of the 1980s Texas underground metal scene. Long before the internet, social media, or streaming platforms, fanzines like SKULL PRESS served as the primary medium for bands to reach audiences, share news, and build communities. These DIY publications were crafted with passion, featuring interviews, reviews, and raw insights into the burgeoning metal landscape.
SKULL PRESS championed numerous unsigned bands, many of which left indelible marks on the metal genre:
Pantera (pre-Atco era): Before achieving global fame, Pantera's early work was rooted in the Texas scene, with their first four albums showcasing a raw, unfiltered sound that resonated with local fans.
Rigor Mortis (Official): Formed in 1983 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, they were pioneers of thrash metal, known for their technical prowess and horror-inspired lyrics. Their influence extended beyond Texas, laying groundwork for future metal acts.
BOSS TWEED – The Pioneers of DFW Metal Mayhem
Boss Tweed emerged like a thunderclap in the heart of Texas during the 1980s, laying the groundwork for what would become a tidal wave of local heavy metal power. Their lineup was a killer: Donny Hart (a young prodigy shredding both vocals and guitar), the always blazing Damon Duperre, the thunderous groove of Lance Williams on drums, and the anchor on bass, Scott Wood. Together, they didn’t just play metal—they lived it.
Warlock Texas: Featuring members of Rigor Mortis Casey Orr and Hardin Harrison, and brother Jerry Warden and David Warden. Warlock is a pioneer in the local and Texas metal scene. There were 2 versions of the band that rocked the world. The second featuring Rick Perry on guitar, Les Choat drums and Eric Roy on bass.
Solitude Aeturnus: Hailing from Arlington, they brought a unique blend of doom and power metal, gaining a dedicated following in Europe and contributing significantly to the doom metal subgenre.
Gammacide: An Arlington-based band known for their aggressive Texas thrash sound, they captured the essence of the Texas metal scene's intensity.
Rotting Co**se: From Arlington featuring Walter Trascler and John Perez on guitars. Rotting Co**se sound a lot like the KILL 'EM ALL record and were among the early adopters of death metal elements, pushing the boundaries of the genre.
Sedition: Led by Turner Van Blarcum, they were infamous for their performances in Deep Ellum, contributing to the area's rich musical tapestry.
Hammer Witch: Achieved cult status with their heavy riffs and dark themes, embodying the underground spirit of Texas metal.
Watchtower: Originating from Austin, Watchtower was instrumental in developing progressive and technical thrash metal. Their complex compositions and musicianship set them apart, influencing bands like Dream Theater and Death.
Divebomb Records
These bands, among others featured in SKULL PRESS, were the heartbeat of a thriving underground movement. Their stories, preserved in the pages of the fanzine, offer a window into a time when passion and grit propelled music forward. Today, as interest in classic metal resurges, these tales serve as a testament to the enduring power of the genre and the communities that support it.
