Getting To Know: SKULLPRESSER

Positions of Power, is the blistering new EP from Skullpresser, dropping last week via Born Losers Records. Featuring members of hardcore and punk powerhouses The Wonder Years, Mannequin Pussy, and One Dead Three Wounded, Skullpresser delivers a relentless blend of metal-influenced hardcore punk. Known for their furious sound and politically charged lyrics, this record pulls no punches, taking aim at the systems of power and oppression with raw, unapologetic intensity. We spoke to them about the EP and their journey so far:

Your new EP, "Positions of Power," has been described as your most unrelenting and punishing music to date. What drove you to create such a forceful and intense record, and what message do you hope to convey to your listeners?

This band gives us all a release, from our other bands and from life itself. We write cathartic songs and have a lot of fun doing it. It’s also a great way to get some anger out. After getting our feet wet with the first EP, we decided we wanted to push our boundaries further. Faster, heavier, and more pissed. The overarching message is that this world is controlled by the mega rich and powerful who only want to utilize the working class to keep them in those positions. All humans deserve to be free. Free Palestine.

2. Skullpresser features members from several well-known bands like The Wonder Years, Mannequin Pussy, and One Dead Three Wounded. How did this collaboration come about, and how do the different musical backgrounds influence your sound?

Our guitarist, Sam, randomly met Dan “Soupy” Campbell  of The Wonder Years because they live near each other. They became friends and Soupy mentioned that his drummer, Michael, was looking to start a new heavy band. Sam and Michael started jamming. They ended up asking Dan to join on second guitar. Eventually they asked Bear and finally myself and here we are. Despite the different backgrounds, we all align pretty well when it comes to heavy music and most of us have been in heavy bands in the past, so it’s been all fun. Everything clicked for us really quickly and it's great to push each other.

3. Your music focuses heavily on themes of human struggle, oppression, and political disillusionment. Can you talk about the specific events or experiences that inspired the lyrics and themes of "Positions of Power"?

This EP was very much inspired by the current political and social climate in the US. Each song touches on a different topic - from the genocide in Palestine, to the political divide in our country, and to the struggles of trying to survive under capitalist oppression.

4. The EP has been highlighted by several press outlets for its uncompromising stance and brutal sound. How does it feel to receive such attention and praise from respected sources like Brooklyn Vegan, Alt Press, and Paste?

Honestly, it’s incredible. We have been working on these songs for a long time and it feels great that they are being received well by these publications we respect.

5. With tracks like "Profit From Pain" and "Just A Pig," the titles alone suggest a sharp critique of societal issues. Could you give us some insight into the creative process behind these songs and what you hope people take away from them?

So far, a lot of the lyrics have been inspired by current topics or events that I feel angry about. “Profit from Pain”, for example, was written right after the Uvalde shooting. It’s a song I still feel strong about today, especially as a father. I don’t consider myself an activist or anything, but I know I’m not the only one who’s pissed off and upset about the current state of this country and world. I hope to give like minded people music that they can rage to, and also help bring awareness to the issues we write about.