Even though Wednesday 13 still proves to be endlessly popular amongst teenage metalheads, his image should not deter adult metal fans from enjoying his music.

If you're into Rob Zombie, Alice Cooper's industrial metal albums and Marilyn Manson you'll dig much of 'Skeletons.'

It's a powerful and highly entertaining album filled with some very meaty riffs and thumping melodies. The man is from North Carolina and he makes reference to his home in the album's closing track 'Dead Carolina.'

Wednesday 13 knows the importance of a good guitar solo which 'Skeletons' does not lack. Given the ironic nature of the title (in relation to his core fan base) 'Another Teenage Anthem' is a terrific track, perhaps the best on the album.

Sometimes though it becomes clear that he's just trying to imitate Alice Cooper, king of the shock rockers. It's very sombre music that's as tough and tanked up with grit as anything you're likely to hear in the genre this year.

***½

Review by Neil Daniels