Interviews: The Crooked Skulls

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Heavy Rock band, The Crooked Skulls, from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

New Jersey heavy rock trio The Crooked Skulls blend desert groove, doom weight, and southern grit on their latest release, Midnight Sun. Built on massive riffs and real-life experience, the record captures a band focused on authenticity over trends. We spoke with the band about tone, influences, songwriting, and what heavy music means to them in 2026.

1. Midnight Sun leans hard into desert rock, doom weight, and southern grit. What was the driving vision behind this record?

We just wanted to make a heavy, honest record. No overthinking it. Big riffs, strong grooves, and songs that feel real when we play them live. We love desert rock and doom, so that naturally comes through, but the goal was to make something that sounds like us.

2. The band keeps the spotlight on the riff. Why is that foundation so important to The Crooked Skulls?

Everything starts with the riff. If the riff feels good, the song usually falls into place. We do not chase trends or production tricks; we focus on something that makes your head move. That has always been the core of this band.

3. How did the three of you first come together, and when did you realize the chemistry was something special?

We connected through the local heavy scene and started jamming. It clicked pretty quickly. The moment we knew it was working was when we could start songs without talking and just lock in. That kind of chemistry cannot be forced.

4. Pete, your tone is a huge part of the band’s identity. How did you dial in the sound for Midnight Sun?

I wanted the tone to be thick but clear, heavy but not overproduced. I tracked with a 90s Gibson Explorer with Dirty Fingers pickups, a 1979 Gibson SG, an Epiphone Firebird, and an LTD Sparrowhawk. I lean on Hiwatt amps for their clean headroom, and I have been using an Orange Tour Baby 100 live because it is powerful but portable. I run through Swamp Thang speakers, and my main drive sound comes from a Creepy Fingers Brummie fuzz built by Brad Davis. That pedal is really the core of my tone.

5. Chuck, your drumming brings both groove and power. Who shaped your style behind the kit?

Chuck gravitates toward drummers who understand feel over flash, players who can groove hard and still leave space. He is big on pocket and dynamics. He wants the drums to serve the riff, not compete with it. When we are locked in, he is steady and heavy, but when the song calls for it, he will push and drive it forward. That balance between control and power really shapes our sound.

6. Dave, you started as a guitarist before moving to bass. How does that background influence your approach to the low end?

Dave still thinks like a guitar player, in a good way. He understands how riffs are structured and how they breathe, so his bass parts are not just following the root. They reinforce the movement of the song. Sometimes he will subtly shift underneath a riff and give it more tension or weight. That is why our rhythm section feels full without feeling crowded.

7. Pete previously worked with Bob Balch. Did experiences like that influence the direction of this album?

Absolutely. Working with Bob was more about learning than anything else. He really helped me understand song structure, how to build a song so it flows and actually goes somewhere. He gave me the tools to take ideas in my head and shape them properly on the guitar. That mindset definitely carried into how I approached Midnight Sun.

8. The lyrics explore endurance, pressure, and personal reckoning. Was there a particular moment or experience that sparked the writing?

A lot of the lyrics come from what I have been doing for almost 25 years in the New York City EMS system. It is tough work. It takes a lot out of you, and you give more than you get most days. That kind of pressure stays with you. On top of that, there is life, family, friends, loss, growth, everything in between. Sometimes I will get into a certain headspace or start thinking about something that sticks with me, and that becomes the foundation of a song. The lyrics usually start from a real feeling and build from there.

9. What was it like working with John Naclerio at Nada Recording Studio and having the album mastered by Kent Stump at Crystal Clear Studios?

John was great to work with. He pushed us to get strong performances without overcomplicating things. Kent really brought the final balance and weight to the record. The whole process felt smooth and professional.

10. Do you prefer the studio grind or the live stage chaos?

Live, for sure. The studio is important, but nothing beats playing in front of people and feeling that energy.

11. Where was your most recent show, and what has been your favorite live moment so far?

We recently played at Lucky 13 Saloon in Brooklyn. One of the best moments is when the crowd locks into a riff, and you can feel the room moving with you.

12. If you could take Midnight Sun anywhere in the world, where would you most want to perform?

We would love to bring it overseas, especially to a heavy festival in Europe. That audience really supports this style of music.

13. Is there a band or artist you would love to share a stage or collaborate with?

One person who comes to mind is Tommi Holappa from Dozer. I would love to collaborate with him someday or just learn from him. That would be a great fit for us musically.

14. What is the weirdest or most unexpected reaction you have gotten to your music?

Someone once told us our music sounds like an old Shovelhead motorcycle rumbling through their chest. I cannot think of a better compliment than that.

15. What does heavy rock mean to you in 2026?

It means staying real. Playing music you believe in and not chasing trends.

16. What can fans expect next from The Crooked Skulls?

More shows, more music, and steady growth. We are building this one step at a time.

17. Any final words for the readers of Breathing The Core Zine?

Thanks for supporting underground heavy music. It really does matter.

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