Scumdogs of the Universe (Scumdogs Of The Universe - GWAR)

Member Name: Frankingsteins

Product:	Scumdogs Of The Universe - GWAR
Date:	16/07/08 (15 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Creative crossover-thrash, with a few genuinely funny lyrics here and there.

Disadvantages: Still pretty stupid.

Gwar are unashamedly a band more concerned with image and shock value than actual musical quality, but unlike entirely gimmicky bands such as Slipknot, their music can actually be pretty damn good at times, especially in the early years. Gwar's early sound on this second album follows something of a thrash metal direction that would be more fully realised later in their career, but still retains enough hardcore punk influence from their past to keep it mean and gritty, reminiscent of bands such as Biohazard or Carnivore, but with even stupider lyrics.

The vocals of Oderus Urungus are instantly recognisable, gruff and overly masculine as he swears for shock value and little else throughout opener 'Salamanizer,' and it's only the distasteful rap crossover of songs like 'Slaughterama' that turns me off. Even though it's performed by a bunch of chauvinistic morons in stupid costumes pretending to be space aliens, 'Scumdogs of the Universe' is a fine collection of crossover-thrash songs that will appeal to those with a sense of humour.

1. Salamanizer
2. Maggots
3. Sick of You
4. Slaughterama
5. The Years Without Light
6. King Queen
7. The Horror of Yig
8. Vlad the Impaler
9. Black 'n' Huge
10. Love Surgery
11. Death Pod
12. Sexecutioner

Summary: Gwar's second album (1990).