GWAR
The New Dark Ages
ft. Lzzy Hale, Hey Steve.
Genre: Heavy Metal.
Released: 03/06/2022
Via Pit Records
Album Review: GWAR – The New Dark Ages
If you’ve been active in the heavy metal scene then you would probably have seen a band dressed in sci-fi esc outfits tear the skin of unfavourable politicians of the past or even introduce crowds to their “Little Friend” who happens to be at the exact height of a human man’s… y’know! That band goes by the name of GWAR and their blend of classic heavy metal has brought them a lot of attention over the years and with their new album ‘The New Dark Ages’ right around the corner I just had to check these guys out once again. Here are my thoughts on the new album.
Setting the scene for the record is ‘New Dark Age’, a moody and angsty track that really lives up to what fans should be expecting from a new GWAR track. The song boasts quite a few smooth transitions from subtle to impactful which makes the listening experience quite a unique and enjoyable one. Continuing the assault is ‘Blood Libel’ and it’s safe to say it comes in swinging! A heavy number that utilizes its drumming patterns in order to create a strong and prominent beat that is begging to be headbanged to.
As the album progresses you are greeted with an awesome display of classic heavy metal with the obvious GWAR twist. ‘Berserker Mode’ brings the tempo up while commanding the attack on the listener’s senses while ‘Motherfucking Liar’ is quite unsurprisingly in your face and straight to the point. Following that is ‘Unto The Breach’, a slow and methodical track that uses Blothar’s goolish vocals to create a feeling of dread and impending doom.
As you would expect ‘Completely Fucked’ is absolute chaos. With distortion turned up to 11, the high notes of the guitars pierce through the ear in a surprisingly pleasant way. I’d highly recommend giving that track a try! ‘The Cutter’ may have one of the best opening lines I’ve heard. Literally opening with the lyrics ‘This is the first line of the Motherfucking song’, you are instantly aware of what you’re in for. A slightly comical yet decently heavy track that is sure to leave you amused.
Going into the second half of the album doesn’t mean the battle is nearly over as ‘Rise Again’ comes charging in to rally the troops once again for another 30 or so minutes of unadulterated heavy metal. Thankfully ‘The Beast Will Eat Itself’ offers solace through its gloomy riffs and dominant percussion. Continuing the momentum is ‘Venom Of The Platypus’. A decent entry into the album that uses great dynamics to create contrast between vocals and instrumental that is sure to light your ears up.
‘Ratcatcher’ is the moment you’ve all been waiting for… A cheesy upbeat track with a COWBELL! Need I say more? The song is a blast boasting a much more party like feel than the rest of the record. Unfortunately – for some – the cowbell party doesn’t last long however as ‘Bored To Death’ returns with a more no nonsense metal feel to it. A ton of aggression blended with an overwhelming sense of sarcasm makes for a perfect GWAR track. As ‘Temple Ascent’ drops you can feel a change in atmosphere. Being one of the only instrumental of the track, it does a great job of regaining your attention for the finale.
‘Starving Gods’ follows on seamlessly from its predecessor, starting with an atmospheric intro before a sudden ambush of unrelenting distortion assaults the listener in all the right ways. As the song progresses, I couldn’t help but find myself getting more and more hooked. Something about this song keeps pulling you back for more and I can’t quite put my finger on what that is. Basically, it’s a really good bloody song! Closing out the record is the mammoth track ‘Deus Ex Monstrum’. Coming in at over 10 minutes long, GWAR is clearly not looking for a quick ending. The song takes its time to set the mood with the first guitar chimes coming in around the 2 and a half minute mark. As the song progresses it utilizes glitchy sound to further entice the listener into the lengthy instrumental before abruptly coming to a complete stop.
GWAR are certainly not your average metal band and this album perfectly captures their more out there gimmick. The music is strong and compelling while the lyrics create a more unique and unusual feel that has quickly become the fan’s favourite part of the music. Everything from comical lines to more gore-filled lyrics is on display throughout this record and I think there’s something to like for most metal fans here.