Himalayan
by Band of Skulls
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Q Magazine
    Apr 23, 2014
    80
    Band Of Skulls may be taking a slow route to the top, but the peak is definitely within view. [May 2014, p.107]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. DIY Magazine
    Mar 31, 2014
    80
    Himalyan is loud, raucous, massive amounts of fun and it has style, swagger and teeth.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    Mar 31, 2014
    80
    In turns more glam-indebted and more duskily evocative than anything they’ve previously offered up, Himalayan’s aims are as monumental as its title.
  5. Alternative Press
    Mar 28, 2014
    80
    The band seem determined to be the molten missing link between Black Sabbath and Black Mountain, making Himalayan a towering triumph. [May 2014, p.88]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. musicOMH.com
    Mar 28, 2014
    80
    They’ve certainly aimed for the mountaintops with Himalayan and quite often they reach the summit.
  7. The Line of Best Fit
    Mar 28, 2014
    75
    Whether this is a Clyro-esque transformation underway, time will tell, but for now, we can revel in their top notch, A-grade rock cacophony as it is.
  8. Filter
    Apr 8, 2014
    72
    Songs like “Cold Sweat” and “Toreador” force overly tweaked, retouched and obviously catchy hooks down our throats. Luckily, that buzzkill dissolves with the thumping psych-blues of “Brothers and Sisters.”
  9. NOW Magazine
    Apr 24, 2014
    60
    On their third album, Band of Skulls stretch even further.
  10. Kerrang!
    Apr 7, 2014
    60
    It's hardly challenging, but Himalayan is nevertheless another goal for for Band of Skulls. [22 Mar 2014, p.54]
    All this publication's reviews
  11. AllMusic
    Apr 1, 2014
    60
    Once again, Band of Skulls have proven that they have the chops and the moxie, but they still need more than a handful of memorable songs to seal the deal.
  12. The Guardian
    Mar 28, 2014
    60
    Originality is not their strong suit, then, but they are adept at weaving a killer riff into a big tune.
  13. The Independent (UK)
    Mar 28, 2014
    60
    The chunky robot-rock riff [in the opening track] suggests they’re headed to Queens of the Stone Age territory, a route confirmed by the strutting “Brothers and Sisters”; but each track seems to signal some fresh direction.
  14. Clash Music
    Mar 28, 2014
    60
    The first half of the LP is phenomenal.... Despite some scorching vocal interplay, there’s a noticeable drop in quality on later tracks.
  15. Paste Magazine
    Apr 1, 2014
    57
    The bottom line is, these guys have always just wanted to rock, and Himalayan is the first album that doesn’t let them.
  16. Drowned In Sound
    Mar 28, 2014
    40
    An album diluted by the indecision of its creators.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. normankant
    Aug 5, 2014
    6
    A nice rock album, but nothing more. Riffs aren't always powerful and cool, the band is not mature yet. They know how to make powerful music,A nice rock album, but nothing more. Riffs aren't always powerful and cool, the band is not mature yet. They know how to make powerful music, but sometimes they write songs that don't communicate anything to the poor listener.… Full Review »
  2. OsianLewis
    Jul 28, 2014
    8
    http://osianlewis.blogspot.se/2014/07/band-of-skulls-himalayan-review-big.html

    My review of Himalayan. 'Band of Skulls reach new heights    http://osianlewis.blogspot.se/2014/07/band-of-skulls-himalayan-review-big.html

    My review of Himalayan.

    'Band of Skulls reach new heights on Himalayan, heights that they failed to reach on their previous two records. From high octane rock ‘n roll sing alongs to brooding booming ballads, crunching riffs and delicate acoustics, Himalayan is the sound of a band brimming with confidence and ambition.'    … Full Review »
  3. sumyupee
    Jun 11, 2014
    9
    Very good, their heaviest yet. Slightly mixed feelings on some of the lyrics but overall it's worth your time. Brothers and Sisters is myVery good, their heaviest yet. Slightly mixed feelings on some of the lyrics but overall it's worth your time. Brothers and Sisters is my personal favorite.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »