Dallas-based SKXLVTOR is an inventive dubstep producer hellbent on shattering the skeletal structure of the bass genre with a heavy punk-rock influence. Returning to NGHTMRE and SLANDER’s Gud Vibrations imprint comes the deadly ‘Plaguebearer’ EP. The four-track effort includes the previous lead singles “SORCERERS OPUS” with spellthief, and “Broken Jaw” alongside Bizo, plus two brand new bangers that invite listeners into SKXLVTOR’s bone-breaking sonic world.
Setting the tone is the title track. “Plaguebearer” is a merciless monster that has risen from the depths of hell. The ominous intro offers a cinematic allure that builds the otherworldly anticipation for what lies ahead. A punchy drum build envelopes into spine-chilling death metal screams, which bleed into the auditory assault. Guttural vocal chops, clashing sword samples, rollicking sub-bass tumbles, double kick-drum action, and gritty industrial sound design collide with deadly intent. The electric guitar lick melody in the stripped-back breaks reset the energy while keeping listeners on their toes. The track’s finale is a barrage of low-end and skull-splitting frequencies that round out the metal-tinged tearout destroyer.
Skxlvtor explains his approach to the track saying, “‘Plaguebearer’ is my idea of turning a metal breakdown into tearout without actually using metal instruments.”
Joining forces with dubstep veteran Bizo comes the vicious “Broken Jaw.” The collab sets a sinister tone with an eerie, horror-tinged intro that lures listeners into its clutches before detonating into pure chaos. A snarling metal-infused vocal hook rips through the tension, setting up a punishing drop where machine-gun synths and cavernous low-end collide in a full-powered bass onslaught. Razor-sharp percussion slices through the madness, driving the track forward at an unrelenting pace. SKXLVTOR and Bizo harness distortion as a weapon, sculpting “Broken Jaw” into a bass music war machine engineered to send mosh pits into overdrive.
“Butcher” is a razor-sharp riddim ripper set on a course of mass destruction. The addictive melody in the introduction blends a sense of nostalgia with dark wonder. Looped rap vocals build anticipation over hypnotic synths before screamed metal vox unleash the raucous riddim explosion. Chopped and distorted vocals converge against skull-bashing bass, pounding percussion, and a brutish edge. The synth-driven break offers a brief respite before slamming head-first into the moshpit for another murderous riddim rampage.
Explaining how the track came to life, SKXLVTOR says, “‘Butcher’ is my take on heavy riddim using the Square4 graintable in the monster synth known as Malström.”
Offering a fittingly epic close is “SORCERERS OPUS” with boundary-pushing producer spellthief. The track is a volatile mix of death metal-inspired riffs, ominous guitar harmonics, and cutting-edge bass design that pulls listeners into an immersive sonic journey. Pounding square-wave basslines twist and turn with precision, creating a dynamic interplay of raw power and refined production, demonstrating his uncanny ability to reimagine the boundaries of sound design. The track offers an undeniable fusion of SKXLVTOR’s ferocious punk-driven style and spellthief’s signature “magic riddim” approach, which layers heavy bass amid evocative storytelling. The combined effort results in a festival-ready weapon built to energize crowds and spark fresh conversations within the scene.
Speaking to the cross-pollination of their distinct styles, SKXLVTOR says, “‘Sorcerers Opus,’ to me, is a heavy anthem that's a perfect blend of mine and spellthief’s styles.”
SKXLVTOR’s signature fusion of dubstep’s raw energy with a punk-fueled aggression has cemented him as one of the scene’s most ferocious rising forces. The Texas-based DJ and producer is dead-set on breaking not only every bone in the body, but the entire dubstep scene as a whole. His music has garnered support from bass music’s elite, including Marauda, Megalodon, Midnight T, SVDDEN DEATH, SLANDER, and Subtronics. The EP’s leads singles have also caught press attention with features on Frontview Magazine, Affinity Ascension, Find Your Sounds, 7Clouds Dubstep, and Canadian Ravers. He is gearing up for an upcoming set at Grimz Live! as direct support for Aweminus.
‘Plaguebearer’ is a nimble, wrathful four-tack effort built to destroy the dubstep game and everyone in its wake. Fusing metal, punk, riddim, and dubstep SKXLVTOR proves his deadly production powers continue to strengthen with each release.
SKXLVTOR’s new EP ‘Plaguebearer’ is available everywhere via Gud Vibrations.