Revel in the Pit

Artist: Gwar

Album: Bloody Pit of Horror

Label: Metal Blade Records

Release Date: Nov. 9

Grade: B

Gwar has seldom employed sonic or lyrical innovation beyond the hulking mass of thrash and doom metal bands since Black Sabbath, and with Bloody Pit of Horror, the legendary metal outfit continues the trend.

Thrash metal fans can join in bullhorns for Gwar's 12th studio effort. The album's 11 tracks consume 37 minutes of nonstop rocking and pummeling.

A beloved and unique trait of the band shines clearly throughout. Gwar completely ditches self-seriousness and opts for a near parody version of over-the-top metal ethos. Fans may argue that the band's true appeal lies in its infamous live performances, but Bloody Pit can endure while blasting through home speakers.

The gate to Hell is kicked open with "Zombies, March."

"We're so glad you could attend/ come and die/come and die," lead singer Dave Brockie (or Oderus Urungus) snarls in loving reference to Emerson, Lake and Palmer's "Karn Evil 9."

At no point, however, does Gwar attempt anything like progressive rock. The songs are only separate heads being kicked in, each one stuffed with breakneck riffs and brooding power chords. Each song has at least one moment of true blood-pumping excitement, even after 25 years of the genre's stagnation.

Evidence of the band's sense of humor comes through strongest on "You Are My Meat." Though dark, the song opens with acoustic guitars and actual singing.

"You are a woman/ I am a man/ You are my meat," sings Brockie in an approach reminiscent of Gene Ween or even Jack Black. In between verses, the song erupts into slower doom riffs.

With titles like "Beat You to Death," "Sick and Twisted" and "Hail, Genocide!" the lack of surprises is obvious. Despite this, they all rock quite competently.

"The Litany of the Slain" is a gift for the band's biggest followers. The song lists off the many staged deaths of past characters during live shows. As well as a fan service, the song is a self-referential invitation to new fans.

"And that's what this song is for/ the creatures that were killed by Gwar/ that's what this song is for/ so check in on the next Gwar tour," Brockie sings.

With Bloody Pit of Horror, Gwar continues to slash, mutilate and maim their way through the metal scene, leaving a trail of desecrated bodies and hard-rocking metal in the wake.

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