Love ’em or hate ’em, GWAR are never going away. For over 25 years the band from Antarctica via Virginia have been bringing their campy brand of horror-infused metal to the masses, and one thing that’s always bothered me about those quick to write them off for their “act” is that they fail to note that GWAR is comprised of some genuinely great musicians. While the band hit somewhat of a stale period in the late ’90’s and into the early 2000’s, starting with 2004’s WAR PARTY, GWAR has actually been getting better.
When they returned to Metal Blade last year for LUST IN SPACE, their 25th Anniversary conquest started off with a sonic boom. While most bands would spend at least two years touring and promoting, GWAR regrouped to begin work on an immediate follow-up, BLOODY PIT OF HORROR (out November 9th).
While most bands that opt for a short period between albums these days tend to create works with a few strong tracks sprinkled between a huge bunch of filler, BLOODY PIT is an exception. In the 60’s and 70’s it was commonplace to pump out an album every one to two years, and while I’m not saying that GWAR is classic rock (yet), the practice recalls the business model of bands from that era.
“Zombies, March!” is a perfect song to kick off the record, and one that is more than seasonally-appropriate. There’s a heavy groove that backs the march, and jabs at Vampires and Werewolves only add to the horrific undertones that make up the entire album. “Come the Carnivor” almost seems to mock TYPE O NEGATIVE, specifically the late Peter Steele in terms of sonic delivery. The riffage in “Storm is Coming” is particularly impressive, especially the breakdown that comes around the 2:38 mark.
Fans of GWAR’s early works will find joy in songs that recall that of the band’s most classic albums. “You Are My Meat” would’ve fit perfectly on AMERICA MUST BE DESTROYED, while “KZ Necromancer” and “Sick and Twisted” sound like the truly classic, SCUMDOGS OF THE UNIVERSE GWAR that grabbed the metal scene by the nuts two decades ago.
Into the Slave Pit we go again…
Rating: 4/5
