Volcom Entertainment is proud to join forces with legendary doom guitarist/vocalist Victor Griffin (Pentagram, Death Row, Cathedral) and PLACE OF SKULLS. Titled As A Dog Returns, the nine-track follow-up to 2006’s The Black Is Never Far was released in the U.S. last fall via Giddy Up Records. Recorded at Lakeside Studios in Knoxville by Travis Wyrick and Griffin with drums recorded and engineered by Mike Dearing, As A Dog Returns will finally see a proper European release on April 4, 2011 via Volcom with distribution by ADA Warner.
Said Griffin of the cooperation: “We’re extremely happy with this arrangement. I’ve had my eye on Volcom for some time now. They’re a wide-reaching company and have their hand in other markets besides music… a clothing line, skateboard/surfing apparel, and more. It’s cool that a company like this loves heavy music and only puts out the stuff they really dig. It’s just a whole different angle than the way labels typically work.”
Already commended by critics and fans alike, Cosmic Lava called As A Dog Returns, “intense and evocative…,” with Doommantia adding, “…classy, solid and creative, the musicianship is second to none as Griffin is in top form, Tomaselli delivers a stellar performance on the drums and the bass playing of Abney is spot on.” Metal Register boasted, “…As A Dog Returns proves, convincingly, that PLACE OF SKULLS are much more than just a Trouble tribute band…a solid and creative heavy metal/hard rock album that will leave an imprint on many a listener.” Dangerdog also gave the record kudos claiming, “‘The Maker,’ ‘Breath Of Life,’ ‘Psalm,’ and ‘Desperation’ are some of the best, somber, foreboding, and often dark, heavy/doom metal you’ll find on this side of the Atlantic.”
Coinciding with the European release of As A Dog Returns, PLACE OF SKULLS will embark on a European tour with The Gates Of Slumber. Presented by Vibra-Agency, Volcom and Rock Hard Magazine, the dates are as follows:
3/31/2011 FIN – Helsinki, Kuudes Linja
4/01/2011 FIN – Oulu, Nuclear Nightclub
4/02/2011 FIN – Turku, Klubi
4/05/2011 GER – Nürnberg, KV
4/06/2011 CH – Lenzburg, Met Bar
4/07/2011 A – Wien, Arena
4/08/2011 I – Vicenza, Sabotage
4/09/2011 I – Parma, Onirica Club
4/10/2011 CH – Martigny, Les Caves du Manoir
4/12/2011 F – Paris, Le Labo – Théatre de Ménilmontant
4/13/2011 ESP – Barcelona, Rocksound
4/15/2011 NL – Tilburg, O13, Roadburn, Midi Theater for POS
http://www.placeofskulls.com
http://www.myspace.com/placeofskullsdoom
http://www.volcomeurope.com