| CD REVIEW Gwar |
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Band : Gwar Sure, I haven't been the most faithful of fans, buying albums only when they happenstanced my way at accidental moments (coming across some in second hand stores, buying 'em off a friend with a distro, through the website), but each time I came across a Gwar album, I've found myself charmed by the offerings, to the point of nominating those albums into my year-lists since...well since 1988 actually, when the band released its debut album Hell-O (that one I came across thanks to the fact that I was making my own music fanzine back in the days). Now I missed out on the job of reviewing the band's last year's album Lust In Space (the job went to a colleague, find it posted 18/08/2009, but I díd review the previous one, 2006's Beyond Hell (posted 18/11/2006), which contains a decent history of the band up to that point. If you don't mind, that's where I'll pick up the thread I left! The band performed a special “half time” show at the Sounds Of The Underground 2006 Tour (a US-wide festival tour that year headlined by As I Lay Dying, Trivium, Behemoth, Cannibal Corpse, Killswitch Engage, Terror, The Black Dahlia Murder, and Machine Head, to which also participated no less than 13 other bands), and went on to headline themselves on the 2007 tour. Prior to the tour the band finally released the long-awaited video for the track “Eighth Lock” (off the Beyond Hell album). Bassist Todd Evans left Gwar somewhat unexpected in early 2008, to concentrate on his project Mobile Deathcamp. Shortly after Casey Orr returned to the band to re-fill his Beefcake The Mighty outfit. Also returning to the stage for the band's Electile Dysfunction tour in the Fall of 2008, would be the character of Sleazy P. Martini (aka Don Drakulich, the band's manager) for additional vocals. 2009 was Gwar's 25th year as a band, and during the year they would perform at several major festivals, including Bamboozle, Wacken Open Air, Brutal Assault, but dropped out of performing at Bloodstock Open Air...all of which before the release of Lust In Space in August. After that, they played at the 2009 Gathering Of The Juggalos, toured with Lamb Of God and Job For A Cowboy, played at the Bonnaroo music festival... (well, in case you're interested in more details of what followed, simply read the band's page at Wikipedia, whence the above info was distilled from). Time to pay attention to the new album, which starts off with the 4-part, 13-minute title track. Musically, the band goes through several modes, their down-tuned and fast-paced Thrash Metal mode being the most important. Laced with Rock affinities and catchy breaks and melodic guitar leads, this part of the band's music however remains enticingly interesting throughout. Then there's gloomy Doom passages (check “The Bloody Pit Of Horror Pt.2: Come The Carnivore”) and passages with soundtrack qualities. And sure, sóme of the band's lyrics need to be taken with the proverbial bit of salt (check the semi spoken wordish “You Are My Meat”), but they fit in perfectly with the band's image as space warriors come to scourge the Earth! As always, there is a politically critical side to the album (“Commander Obama” 's name is mentioned in at least two songs: Part 4 of “Bloody Pit Of Horror” and the wacky “The Litany Of The Slain” which contains some of the most melodic singing ever by lead singer Oderus Urungus (aka David Brockie, and the only remaining original member). As per usual, there's quite some moments where the other sigers in the band dominate the field, but when push comes to shove it's Oderus' typical voice which finishes the vocal picture of this band! Obviously, a lot of people stare blindly at the band's stage antics and image, and refuse to admit to themselves that each and every one of the band's albums is a masterpiece which captivates its listeners by the sheer power of its catchy music...in fact diminish the music's quality because of the image! Ach..there's frustrated idiots everywhere (and usually these wannabee musicians work for some of the bigger magazines...frequently calling themselves “unbiased” music journalists too)! Anyone new to this band is recommended to listen to the couple of songs (only the aforementioned “Zombies March” off the new album, I'm afraid) posted at myspace.com/officialgwar. I'm not sure if there's any additional music posted at the band's own website (link at their Wikipedia page). Those of you already familiar with the band, try to find additional samples of the other songs at one of the trusted online sales websites, or go listen to the album at your local record store...but why have you been hesitating to go out and buy this new album by your Overlords? Are we not all Slaves to our Masters? 98/100 Tony. |