New Jersey heavy rock trio The Crooked Skulls to release new 7-inch single »Pain Dealer / Ride Free« on November 13th via Electric Desert Records!

Sparta, New Jersey based heavy rockers The Crooked Skulls have announced their new 7-inch single »Pain Dealer / Ride Free«, scheduled for release on November 13th, 2026 via Electric Desert Records. Digital release will follow on November 27th, 2026.

Tracklist:
01. Pain Dealer
02. Ride Free

Courtesy of Good Boy PR:

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.

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.

Photo by JJ Koczan

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«

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.

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 Kelli Snyder

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.

The Crooked Skulls – »Pain Dealer / Ride Free«
7-inch out November 13th, 2026
Digital release November 27th

»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 at Crystal Clear Sound
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

FFO: Clutch • COC • Down • Crowbar • Kyuss • Fu Manchu • Motörhead • Alice In Chains

Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well