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GWAR
Lust In Space
(Metal Blade Records)
Let’s face it; when the Sci-Fi/Horror-fueled collective best known as GWAR unleashed their groundbreaking sophomore effort Scumdogs Of The Universe upon a largely unsuspecting public in 1989, it seemed unlikely that the group would ultimately have a significant or lasting impact on the Heavy Metal genre. Jam-packed with a dizzying array of blasphemous titles (i.e. “The Salaminizer”, and “Sexecutioner”, to name only a few) and an unprecedented focus on a cartoonishly menacing imagery, it seemed as if the group was destined to wallow in their own obscurity. Fortunately for all parties involved, this was not the case as the group not only persevered and survived, but went on to create an inanely vast multimedia empire. Not surprisingly, when I was initially approached regarding writing a review of the highly-anticipated Lust In Space, the group’s curiously long-overdue return to Metal Blade Records, I was only more than happy to overindulge.
On the brilliant Lust In Space (2009), an expertly assembled eleven song collection of deftly-executed Heavy Metal, each track, beginning with the self-explanatory tirade “Let Us Slay”, and the maddeningly infectious “Damnation Under God”, immediately commands the rapt and undivided attention of even the most jaded and unimaginative of Headbangers. Wisely refusing to conform to the downtrodden, tried and true formulas embraced by the would-be crème de la crème of the mainstream, the group stomps, twists and turns through each deliciously bombastic composition with a truly sickening ease. With the group now rapidly approaching the 25th Anniversary of their less-than-likely, Hunter Jackson-inspired inception (and, as a result, invariably primed for yet another resurgence), the ensuing onslaughts are remarkably well-timed as they have the ‘…very real…’ potential to expose their various shenanigans to a new generation of bloodthirsty supporters.
Continuing with the bile-spewing lament “The UberKlaw”, and the searing, Hardcore/Punk-tinged “Metal Metal Land”, the newly rejuvenated combination of vocalist Oderus Urungus (Dave Brockie), lead guitarist Flattus Maximus (Cory Smoot), rhythm guitarist Balsac The Jaws Of Death (Mike Derks), bassist Beefcake The Mighty (ex-Burden Brothers/Rigor Mortis alumni Casey Orr) and drummer Jizmak Da Gusha (Brad Roberts) steamroll ahead like the well-oiled machine they have so obviously become. Driving home each ‘key focal point’ with the trademark rapid-fire succession that has personified much of their sprawling, genre-defying catalog, the group wastes little--if any--time reaffirming their rightful place within the fabled hierarchy of the Heavy Metal genre. As musically proficient as they are groundbreaking, the group engulfs the listener amid an exceedingly airtight barrage of sonic intensity that boldly overshadows their controversial lyrical ‘connotation’.
An absolute must-have for clueless newcomers and die-hard completists alike, other standouts, including the relentlessly pummeling (albeit delightfully tongue-in-cheek) “Where Is Zog?”, and the equally impressive, thought-provoking closer “Parting Shot”, while obviously stylistically reminiscent of the group’s most recent offerings, are most certainly far from derivative, thus further reinforcing the group’s already oft-documented reputation as a creative force not to be ignored. Most definitely not for the faint of heart or weak of constitution, the group continues to effectively re-embrace their once arguably convoluted Thrash Metal ‘roots’ with a carefully-executed exuberance, (as was the case with 2001’s stunning Violence Has Arrived and 2006’s woefully-underrated Beyond Hell), with the majority--if not all--of the decidedly over-the-top wares contained herein presumably guaranteed to leave the group’s uniquely dedicated constituents helplessly begging for more.
You’re still not convinced? What do you mean you don’t get GWAR? Seriously…what the hell is wrong with you? Even if you somehow find yourself less than enthralled with the rumbling, hopelessly deranged behemoth that is the mighty Lust In Space, one must, at the very least, sincerely admire the improbably long-running group’s seemingly insatiable quest for global domination. Love ‘em or loathe ‘em, the frequently ferocious quintet has once again carefully honed their proverbial craft, resulting in a collection of material that is, without a doubt, quite easily worthy of the highest of critical and commercial accolades. As a result, if you’ve once again found yourself in search of a refreshingly forthright (if not outright bloodthirsty) alternative to the painfully mindless, Hip Hop and Pop-infused din and clatter that is so often force fed en mass, then this, my friends, might just be the ‘…quasi-obscene…’ cure for what ails you. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Select Discography
Lust In Space (2009) **
Beyond Hell (2006) ***
Blood Bath And Beyond (DVD) (2006) ***
Live From Mt. Fuji (2005) ***
War Party (2004) ***
Let There Be Gwar (2004) ****
Ultimate Video Gwarchive (DVD) (2002) **
Violence Has Arrived (2001) **
You’re All Worthless And Weak (2000) ***
Slaves Going Single (2000) ***
We Kill Everything (1999) **
Carnival of Chaos (1997) **
Ragnarök (1995) **
This Toilet Earth (1994) **
Phallus In Wonderland (Video) (1992) **
The Road Behind (1992) **
America Must Be Destroyed (1992) **
Live From Antarctica (Video) (1991) **
Scumdogs Of The Universe (1990) **
Hell-O (1988) *
* released via Shimmy Disc Records
** released via Metal Blade Records
*** released via Slave Pit Records
**** released via DRT Entertainment