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The Blood Of Gods

GWAR

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‘The story of GWAR is carved across the history of this barren and hopeless planet, but GWAR themselves are not of this world… their story begins in the deepest reaches of outer space. Long ago, the beings who would become the rock band GWAR were part of an elite fighting force, the Scumdogs of the Universe. For eons, they served as thralls to a supreme being known only as the Master. But one by one, each future member of the band earned a glaring reputation for being an intergalactic fuck-up. And so, they were banished, sent away on a fool’s errand to conquer an insignificant shitball floating in a dark corner of the universe; the planet Earth. Once here, GWAR shaped the face of the globe, destroying and rebuilding the natural world, and giving rise to all of human history. Aliens to some, gods and demons to others, our erstwhile Scumdogs fucked apes to create the human race, and this fateful unplanned pregnancy would prove to be truly disastrous!

Their new album, The Blood of Gods, is nothing less than a sacred text chronicling the rise of humanity against their makers, and the massive battle between GWAR and the forces of all that is uptight and wrong with the world. Along the way, the band challenges the sins of their great mistake, from politics, pollution, and organized religion, to fast food, and factory farming. Humans are shown as what they are; a parasitical disease that must be eradicated  before they suck the planet dry.

Of course, The Blood of Gods is the first GWAR album without the band’s fallen leader, Oderus Urungus. The title of the album refers to the loss of Oderus and the struggles and triumphs that produced the new sound of the band. Born of adversity, The Blood of Gods is a sonic scar… a question asked and answered… Death cannot kill GWAR. Nothing can. GWAR LIVES MOTHERFUCKERS!’

-Metal Blade Records

Track Listing:

  1. War on GWAR
  2. Viking Death Machine
  3. El Presidente
  4. I’ll Be Your Monster
  5. Auroch
  6. Swarm
  7. The Sordid Soliloquy Of Sawborg Destructo
  8. Death to Dickie Duncan (featuring mc chris)
  9. Crushed By The Cross
  10. Fuck This Place
  11. Phantom Limb
  12. If You Want Blood (You Got It)

Review:

1. War on GWAR:

This track has a slow build up, it introduces you to the new album, & Lets you get comfortable with the new singer, Blothar. It is a Rock ‘N Roll song, slow and doom filled. Reminds me of a modern take on the 70’s Black Sabbath sound, I am a big fan of that sound. This track is over 7 minutes, it somehow only feels like it’s about 3 minutes though. Quickly they remind you that Oderus is no longer here, and thus, things are not going to be the same. Instead of trying to copy Oderus Urungus, or the GWAR of the past. They have chosen to go an all new direction. Lyrically ‘War On GWAR’ is about humanity turning against GWAR and trying to wipe GWAR off of the face of Earth, to no avail of course. 5/5

2. Viking Death Machine:

Viking Death Machine is a perfect title for this song. That’s what it sounds like. Sonicly, it’s a throwback to that 80’s Viking Metal sound. This comes off like an end of the world Battle Hymn, but it actually more about Lust & Sex. It will make fans of Rock & Metal very happy. It’s a non stop rocker. The vocal melodies here are brilliant, you can tell it’s GWAR, but it sounds nothing like the GWAR you’re used to. This is one of my favorites. 5/5

3. El Presidente:

This one has been out for about a month, it’s their 2nd single from the album. It’s a Heavy Metal anthem that is less about the President and more about the dislike of humanity and their choices of leaders. It’s pro-chaos stance has GWAR taking responsibility for the current state of affairs in the world. This one is very much on the Metal side. All of the band members share vocal duties on this on, it works very well. They should do more of that in the Future. Music, lyrics, & delivery here are perfect. Great song. This one is on youtube, it worth the listen!  5/5

4. I’ll Be Your Monster:

This is possibly the weakest song on the album, and I like it! Purposefully radio friendly, with a softer, almost hair metal approach. It reminds me a lot of old Kiss & AC/DC, but with the force & drive of Motorhead. You might not like this song, but your Mom & Dad will. Lyrically it’s not as soft and safe as you first may think. I mean, Blothar is under the girls bed & he wants to kill & cannibalize her. Ha Ha.  4/5

5. Auroch:

This is GWAR. This is the first song on the album that I think could have been on any GWAR album. If you enjoyed Beefcake the Mighty songs in the past, you’re going to love this one. This is what I heard in my head when they announced that Blothar would be taking over lead vocal duties. It’s a great track. This song delivers. It’s metal in it’s purest form. Real, raw, & as aggressive as your stalker ex. Great track, I can’t say it enough. 5/5

6. Swarm:

Ahhh, SWARM. Swarm is my favorite song on the album. It’s very brutal. This one is GWAR to the core, musically & lyrically. The fans GWAR has collected in the last 10 years or so will really appreciate this one. It rivals the likes of genre favorites like Slayer & Lamb Of God. If you want one to blast on 11 and piss off your neighbors, this is the one! 5/5

7. The Sordid Soliloquy Of Sawborg Destructo:

This song is a text book GWAR song. I must confess, I’m a huge GWAR fan.. I’m a Bohab. A Juggalohab, if you will. I’ve waited for a long time for a Sawborg Destructo song. He’s done vocals at shows, he’s great at stage banter too. I really love his art, props, and costume work. With all that being said, something about the vocals of this song don’t work for me. I don’t even know if it was Sawborg’s fault, seems like his parts were mixed just a hair too low. The chorus seems to have Blothar and Possibly Beefcake doing beautiful harmonies, this really saves this song. Musically, it’s a great classic GWAR song. 4/5

8. Death to Dickie Duncan

This song will be of interest to Juggalos & hip hop fans alike. Not only is it an Anti-GMO/Anti-Fast Food song (Which should hit close to home for all of us) but Dickie Duncan is played/voiced by the one and only MC Chris! That’s right GWAR did a collaboration with MC Chris, and it’s wonderful. This is a mix of Punk Rock and Rap. It’s done in a way that’s never really been done before. If it weren’t for MC’s voice, I don’t think anyone would have noticed, It fits. Very real and entertaining song to say the least. 5/5

9. Crushed By The Cross

This is an interesting Heavy Metal song, the 1st half is pretty straight forward rocking with anti-religious themes shouted loud and proud. It’s a tale of how placing all of your faith into one Symbol like the cross could very well bring your own life to an end. Either slowly or quickly. The lead vocals on this are done by lead guitar player Pustulus Maximus. The second half of the song has more of a doom feel, and the lyrics are sang by angelic female voices. The contrast in this is amazing. It ends us making a very original sounding masterpiece. I really enjoy this one, It was needed. It’s placement on the album is perfect too. 5/5

10. Fuck This Place

This was the 1st single/video and can be found on youtube right now. It’s a hard rocking track with a punk rock delivery. It’s very catchy, it’s a great sing along track. I can see why it was the lead single, heck, it’s GWAR’s current statement. “Fuck This Place’. Where they are right now, they are disgusted with the human race more than ever. The hate us and our leaders, they really despise Earth and are trying to bring about the destruction of man. We are all the children of GWAR, and Daddy is pissed! 5/5

11. Phantom Limb

This song is real. It’s so real that it hurts. This song is GWAR singing to Oderus Urungus, it’s a touching tribute and a unique look inside the emotions or GWAR, or Bothar at least. I speaks to anyone who loved Dave Brockie. It speaks for anyone who loved Dave Brockie. If you have ever been a GWAR fan, you will like this, you may not like the whole album, but Phantom Limb deserves your attention. It’s a satisfying closing to this chapter of the story, and a great way to pay respect while winding down the album. Very good song, very fitting for the end of the record. 5/5

12. If You Want Blood (You Got It)

This one is a cover song. GWAR don’t do too many covers, but when they do, they always kill it. This time is no exception. The cover the classic AC/DC song “If You Want Blood (You Got It). They did a great job. I happen to know that Bon Scott (Who sang & wrote this song) was a hero to Oderus, so this song is not only a great tribute to Bon, it’s also a another nod of respect to Oderus. I heard him say many times that he wanted GWAR to do this song. I’m sure he’s happy hearing this one from the Void. 4/5

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Conclusion:

In conclusion, This record is nearly perfect. I can’t wait to see how GWAR continues to grow. The Blood Of Gods is not a new Chapter for GWAR, it’s a whole new book. Half of the people who love GWAR, will continue to do so. I can however, see a lot of GWAR fans choosing this time to jump off of the Bat-Shaped Helicopter. It’s a divisive album, opinions will be split. I say if you’re an open minded GWAR fan or just an open minded fan of Rock music, give this album a shot, it’s great. If you have never liked GWAR before, give this one a shot. If you only liked GWAR for Oderus Urungus, this may not be your thing, I still think you should give it at least one listen. Then entire project was done in tribute to him, and was dedicated to his memory. Remember, HE wanted GWAR to continue on for 10,000 years. The Scumdogs are just getting Warmed up!

Favorite Tracks:

  1. Viking Death Machine
  2. SWARM
  3. Crushed By The Cross

Length:

  • 55 Minutes

Record Label:

  • Metal Blade Records

Release Date:

  • 10/20/2017

Purchase:

Websites:

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    Faygoluvers Comments

  1. HarryCox90210

    Comment posted on Thursday, January 4th, 2018 08:17 pm GMT -5 at 8:17 pm

    Gwar never disappoints, been awhile since I’ve been covered in alien piss blood

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