RUTTENSKALLE is a Portuguese Old School Death Metal band founded by musician, producer and drummer Paulo Soares. Deeply rooted in the classic Scandinavian death metal sound, the band draws strong influence from legendary acts such as CARNAGE, NIHILIST, DISMEMBER and ENTOMBED, combining filthy HM-2 driven riffs, morbid atmospheres and uncompromising brutality.

The origins of RUTTENSKALLE date back to 2013, when Paulo Soares began composing the first songs that would later become the band’s debut full-length album, Skin'em Alive. Released on October 31, 2021 through Portuguese label Gruesome Records, the album was entirely recorded and produced by Soares at Oldskull Sound Studios, featuring several guest guitarists contributing lead solos throughout the record.

Skin'em Alive received a highly positive response from both critics and the Portuguese underground metal scene, earning the distinction of “Album of the Month” by the editorial team of Caminhos Metálicos. Originally conceived as a solo studio project, RUTTENSKALLE performed only a limited number of live shows during this initial phase, supported by guest musicians.

In early 2023, the project evolved into a full live band with the addition of permanent members. Jorge Matos (TORN FABRIKS, ex-SIMBIOSE, ex-VEINLESS) joined on guitar after previously participating in the live release shows. Shortly after, António Gonçalves (CULTO OBSCURO, ex-DISHARMONY'S DEN) became the band’s vocalist, bringing a savage and distinctive presence to the line-up. Tiago Rocha (RAGEFUL) also collaborated as a live session guitarist and appeared in the band’s music video for Destroyer Of The Flesh, released in September 2023.

Soon after, Fred Brum (ETHEREAL, INNARDS, RAGE AND FIRE, among others) joined as permanent lead guitarist, completing the current line-up and reinforcing the band’s musical identity with his technical and aggressive approach.

Between late 2023 and early 2024, RUTTENSKALLE composed and recorded a new collection of songs that resulted in the independently released EP Disgorged Exsanguination, launched on April 5, 2024. Once again produced by Paulo Soares at Oldskull Sound Studios, the EP further established the band’s dedication to authentic Old School Death Metal, delivering a darker, heavier and more mature sound while maintaining its raw underground essence.

With a growing presence in the Portuguese metal underground, RUTTENSKALLE continues to forge its path through relentless riffing, rotten atmospheres and a deep devotion to the spirit of classic Scandinavian Death Metal.

The band is currently working on its next full-length album, promising an even more savage and uncompromising chapter in the evolution of RUTTENSKALLE.