Heavy riffers The Crooked Skulls announce 7" Pain Dealer/Ride Free feat. Bob Balch & artwork by Matt Pike; out November 13th

The Crooked Skulls are a heavy rock trio from New Jersey built around thick riffs, heavy grooves, and a straightforward approach to songwriting. Pulling from stoner rock, doom, and the heavier side of rock and roll, the band draws influence from Clutch, Corrosion of Conformity, Down, Crowbar, Black Sabbath, Kyuss, Fu Manchu, Motörhead, and Alice in Chains while continuing to develop a sound of their own.

Formed by guitarist/vocalist Pete Koretzky with bassist/vocalist Dave Van Auken and original drummer Chuck Snyder, The Crooked Skulls released their debut EP, Hivemind, in 2024, followed by their first full-length album, Midnight Sun, in March 2026. The album reached #30 on the Doom Charts and helped the band continue building its presence in the heavy underground.

Photo by JJ Koczan

Since forming, The Crooked Skulls have shared stages with bands including Valley of the Sun, WyndRider, Sun Voyager, Borracho, GUHTS, Clamfight, Thunderchief, and Precious Blood, playing throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Upcoming shows will see the band sharing bills with Crobot, Dark Chapel, and Insomniac as they continue expanding their regional presence.

Koretzky’s connection with Valley of the Sun also extends beyond the stage. He contributed additional guitar to “Where’s This Place?” from the band’s 2024 album Quintessence. The Crooked Skulls also connected with Fu Manchu guitarist Bob Balch, who contributed a guest guitar solo to “Iron Smile.”

Photo by Kelli Snyder

With Snyder relocating to Florida, drummer Bryan Heaney has joined Koretzky and Van Auken as The Crooked Skulls move into their next chapter. Heaney quickly settled into the band’s material and brings his own feel to the lineup while keeping the groove and chemistry at the center of the music.

Photo by JJ Koczan

The band is proud to announce a new 7-inch featuring “Ride Free” and “Pain Dealer.” The two songs follow Midnight Sun while showing different sides of where the band is heading. The 7-inch is intended as a bridge into 2027, keeping new music coming while the band continues playing regional shows, festivals, and other special appearances.

"Pain Dealer" features a guitar solo from Bob Balch, and the vinyl insert artwork is illustrated by Matt Pike.

Photo by JJ Koczan

The Crooked Skulls plan to begin working toward their next full-length album in 2027. Until then, the focus is on playing more shows, continuing to write, and taking opportunities as they come.

For The Crooked Skulls, the approach remains simple: write honest heavy music, play it loud, and keep moving forward.

Ride Free / Pain Dealer Details

The Crooked Skulls - Pain Dealer/Ride Free

7 inch out November 13th, 2026
Digital release November 27th
Electric Desert Records
New Jersey, United States
FFO: Clutch • CoC • Down • Crowbar • Kyuss • Fu Manchu • Motörhead • Alice in Chains
Cover art by @gasaedudes
Vinyl insert artwork by Matt Pike

The Crooked Skulls is:

Pete Koretzky - Vocals, Guitar

Bryan Heaney - Drums
Dave Van Auken - Vocals, Bass

Pain Dealer/Ride Free credits:

Pete Koretzky - Vocals, Guitar

Chuck Snyder - Drums
Dave Van Auken - Vocals, Bass
Bob Balch - Pain Dealer guitar solo

Mixing & mastering by Kent Stump @ Crystal Clear Sound

Tracklist:

1. Pain Dealer (4:11)
2. Ride Free (4:56)

Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Thanks to Good Boy PR for the details.