GWAR Scumdogs of the Universe is a huge step up for the band from their first album. The first album had some cool moments but really didn’t hit right. This one (at least for me) is one of my all time faves and an album I’ve loved since it came out.
I have to admit it was seeing pictures of the band in magazines that first got me interested in these guys and off I went down the local record store to give the newly released CD a listen. One song in, I bought it and basically became a GWAR tragic right after that.
The album opens up with “The Salamanizer” , not sure what that means but the riffs are great and lead singer Oderus Urungus’ vocals are simply marvellous. The second song “Maggots” is just as good. If there was ever an ear-worm of a song this is it. The song graphically describes the coming armageddon in which it will rain maggots from the sky.
I’ve often wondered where GWAR come up with their schtik, were they dropped on their heads as kids, molested by clergy? Who knows? Either way it makes for one hell of a trip. One thing you can say about GWAR is there is no one like them on the entire planet.
The level of musicianship on this album has improved by light years from their first album. Some actual classic riffs and great guitar solos that the band should really be proud of. Next up is the bands pseudo ballad “Sick of You” the first song I’d heard of the band on a heavy metal video compilation. Great song and again sticks in your head for the rest of the day.
GWAR at this point have already moved beyond the point of being a novelty act based on their outlandish stage attire and stage show and have produced an album that stands on its own right.
“Slaghterama” is more geared towards the live show of the band and can be a bit disjointed if you’re just listening to the album but the semi hip hop nature of the song shows how diverse this band can be. “The Years without Light” and “King Queen” continue the metallic bliss this band has created. “Black and Huge” (don’t ask what this is about) and “Vlad the Impaler” follow on and cement the bands talent at song writing and their own particular brand of black humour.
The mayhem and sickness contintues with “Love Surgery” and “Death Pod”. The album kind of finishes off on a weaker note with “Sexecutioner” (again another track that really needs to be viewed live as it misses context otherwise) and “Cool Place to Park” but over all this is a phenomenal album and as a teenager this was a huge influence on me. The only thing I can do is emplore you to have a listen to this for yourself! It’s definitely one of a kind!
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