Viking Skull

Viking Skull

Viking Skull are a heavy rock group from Corby, United Kingdom, active from 2002 onwards. The band forms around members of the Raging Speedhorn circle and begins with a local jam-night setup, with Roddy Stone — formerly Raging Speedhorn’s long-time guitar tech — helping to start the project. The original line-up includes Roddy, Darren, Gordon, Frank and Waldie, and the group later becomes a four-piece.

Early formation

The band’s formation comes from a break in life on the road with Raging Speedhorn, when the prospect of a few months without regular band hospitality leads to the idea of starting a local act in Corby. The name and early direction emerge from a joking line about “get in, get fucked and get out”, which becomes the slogan associated with the band’s beginnings. Early rehearsals take place at a weekly jam night at an ex-servicemen’s club in Corby, before the group moves to a jam session at Kettering Town Football Club after the first venue closes.

Those sessions mix old-school metal riffs, blues elements and guitar solos. As the band plays more often, the members begin writing original material instead of relying on covers, and local interest grows around their live appearances and distinctive name.

Recording and early releases

By early 2002, Viking Skull record six self-written tracks at Premier Studios in Corby. These songs become the EP Chapter One, which is released in 2003 and includes “Beers, Drugs and Bitches”, “Wizards Sleeve”, “Frostbite”, “Rape, Pillage and Burn”, “Crazy Trucker” and “Skull Heaven”.

Live activity and line-up changes

The band’s first shows outside Northamptonshire take place in 2002, when they fill an empty support slot on a Raging Speedhorn UK tour. They also build a local following through club dates and support shows, including a night with Dukes of Nothing that ends early when the venue floor collapses under the crowd.

As touring continues, the workload affects Frank’s personal life, and the band becomes a four-piece with Roddy returning to guitar duties. Viking Skull then support a number of established rock acts, including Alice Cooper, HIM, Clutch, CKY and Dio.

Style

Viking Skull’s sound combines heavy metal, stoner metal, stoner rock and hard rock. Their music is described through references to Black Sabbath’s groove, Deep Purple’s rhythmic drive and AC/DC’s energy.

Current line-up

The group is associated with Jess Margera, Roddy Stone, Rich Vose and Waldie.