SKINLAB Frontman Launches New Project

Vocalist/bassist Steev Esquivel of San Francisco Bay Area metallers SKINLAB has issued the following update:

"First off, I'd like to announce my new project, ST. JUDAS. Another musical adventure I decided to bust out while healing from my health issues earlier on in the year, which ultimately put a hault to SKINLAB and had me sidelined next to shit shitload of guitars and recording gear writing a shiload of different styles I've always wanted to dig into.

"Now... in no way will this affect SKINLAB as we've got touring plans later on in the year. This is something I'd like to do with a bunch of homeys and rock some shit!

"Recording started yesterday at Snake's [SKINLAB guitarist Steve Green] Greendot Studios with my good friend Doug Morrison on drums. Doug's slammin' out two tracks — 'Old Crow's Farewell' and 'California's Burning' — that came out amazing!

"Doug's style is total Jean-Paul Gaster (CLUTCH) meets Jimmy Bower (DOWN) which gave that huge, solid groove that music calls for. A couple tracks of guitar tracks with a few overdubs later, we were listening to what Doug and I both agreed might be the heaviest thing we've ever recorded! Keyboards, bass, vocals coming up!!

"More news and band member announcements coming soon!

"Now as far as SKINLAB, we've been seetting up dates in May for a short run with our good friends FLAW and then we will be teaming up with Jackson Guitars on a killer U.S package in June/July that will have us particpating in select music stores doing clinics with the other Jackson artists on the tour. This are still in the works as Jackson have been in talks with several of their bands and their participation.

"Speaking of Jackson, last week Snake and I went to the Fender/Jackson factory to look over the specs for the new SKINLAB 'Volture' guitar and bass. We ended up going with features that will have them become part of the Extreme models, with the new Jackson logo and shark-fin inlays... These fuckers are bad-fuckin'-ass!! It's a bit to early to reveal all specs, but we've documented the whole thing along with complete tour of the factory and will share with you all soon."

SKINLAB will film a video for the title track of their new album, "The Scars Between Us", with up-and-coming director Jourdan McClure. McClure previously worked with the band on the clip for the song "In For The Kill", which was shot in May 2008 at the group's warehouse in Oakland, California (featuring appearances by UFC fighter Nate Quarry and Greg Thompson). The group states, "Jourdan is such a great artist and has a great vision. We are really looking forward to this."

SKINLAB last year announced the addition of guitarist Brian Jackson (formerly of the Las Vegas band KREEP) to the group's ranks. The band said, "Brian stepped in after only a week to learn a 14-song set and has absolutely crushed shit while on tour. He's proven to be a perfect fit for SKINLAB and is willing to dedicate himself 150% to SKINLAB."

SKINLAB was forced to cancel its "Sons of a Sikworld Tour" with MOWER last fall after Steev Esquivel was diagnosed with "a severe lung infection" before the band's October 3 concert in Herkimer, New York.

"The Scars Between Us" was issued on September 15, 2009 via Stand And Deliver Records.

Capital Chaos has uploaded video footage (see below) of SKINLAB performing the song "In For The Kill" on October 24, 2009 at The Boardwalk in Orangevale, California.