Devilskin

Devilskin is a hard rock group from Hamilton, New Zealand, active since 2010. The band forms as a four-piece with Jennie Skulander on lead vocals, Nail on lead guitar, Paul Martin on bass guitar and vocals, and Nic Martin on drums. Nic Martin joins in 2011, and the group includes a father-and-son line-up with Paul Martin and Nic Martin.

Line-up and background

Jennie Skulander fronts the band and previously sings with Rotorua group Slipping Tongue, which builds a fanbase through videos, EPs and an album, and opens for Coheed & Cambria in 2008. Nail comes from Waikato band Chuganaut, a group that wins the New Zealand Battle of the Bands and the World Battle of the Bands in 2004, plays Big Day Out in 2005, opens for Iron Maiden at Mt Smart Stadium in 2009, and releases singles, EPs, videos and an album after touring nationally. Paul Martin, also known as the Axeman from the radio show Axe Attack, previously plays in World War Four, Knightshade and Blackjack, and opens for Black Label Society in 2006, Heaven & Hell in 2007, and Motörhead twice in 2008, as well as appearing at Big Day Out in 2009.

Music and releases

The band describes its music as organic, dynamic and real, with a sound built around melody, power and a strong live performance. Its songs are noted for combining depth and passion with an explosive stage show. Devilskin releases the album We Rise and later follows it with Be Like the River, which is recorded in England and reaches number one on the Official New Zealand Music Chart, matching the position of its predecessor. The album includes the single "Pray", followed by "Endo" and "All Fall Down". In 2020 the band announces its third album Red and the single "Corrode".

Live activity

After a sold-out album tour for We Rise and the eight-date Summer Surrender tour, Devilskin returns to record and release new material. The band later tours in support of Be Like the River, opens for Airbourne, and appears at the Download Festival. Plans for festival and international touring around Red are then affected by the coronavirus pandemic in New Zealand.