Gwar

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Gwar

Introduction

Gwar is a novelty rock / heavy metal / punk band that was formed in 1985-1986 in Richmond, Virginia. The band was the result of a merger between an independent art film called "Scumdogs of the Universe" (inspired by Don Drakulich) and a punk band called Death Piggy that was fronted by Dave Brockie. Because of this, the artists' gimmick has been wearing costumes made of paper mache and couch cushions that were influenced by the abandoned movie project. The lineup consists of Oderus Urungus (throat singer - Brockie), Flattus (lead guitar - Pete Lee, various ), Beefcake the Mighty (bass - Casey Orr, various), Jizmak (drums - Brad Roberts), Balsac (guitar - Michael Bishop, various), Slymenstra ( GWAR Woman, vocalist - Danyelle Stampe), Sleazy P. Martini (evil manager - Drakulich), Sexecutioner (vocals - Chuck Varga), Musel (keyboards - Dave Musel) and Techno Destructo ( GWAR Enemy - Hunter Jackson).

Hell-O

In 1988, their first album, "Hell-O" (Shimmy Records) was released. It was chock full of gross lyrics and contained an embryonic concept of their costumes. Obvious influences ran the gamut from Spinal Tap to Carcass and Guns N'Roses- but, of course, the band was far too sloppy to implement them in a coherent fashion.

Scumdogs of the Universe

The storyline that was molded in the following album, "Scumdogs of the Universe" (Metal Blade- 1990)followed the members of the band as an elite intergalactic fighting force that serviced a Supreme Being known as The Master and was cast away onto Earth (specifically, Antarctica). "Scumdogs" is by far the most well-known album, and is a fan-favorite. It is less punk and much more of a standard heavy metal album. It sports higher production values, but there is still no real concept to speak of. Only the humor of songs like Slaughterama, Maggots, Love Surgery, and Vlad the Impaler and some more atmospheric numbers (Horrors of Yig'') really crawl out of the woodwork.

America Must Be Destroyed

"America Must Be Destroyed" (Metal Blade, 1993) is a harsher album that has more nods to grindcore and punk thrown in the mix. The story is that Oderus Urungus, the barbarian leader of Gwar, has been assaulted by a censorship ring known as the Morality Squad, who have stolen his Cuttlefish (a dangly little creature which is normally attached to his groin). In retaliation, Gwar slaves shoot an immense egg with crack and it grows into Gor Gor, the vicious Tyrannosaurus Rex, which proceeds to destroy America. Musically, this is a more interesting album than Scumdogs. It contains even more morbid humor (such as child molestation and holocaust jokes) as well as some traditional rock'n'roll numbers (Morality Squad, Road Behind) thrown in among the brutal thrash metal mix (Blimey, Ham on the Bone). It was followed by an EP, "The Road Behind", that contains the single as well as a few forgettable tracks.

This Toilet Earth

GWAR reached their arguable peak (of talent and stench) with "This Toilet Earth" (Metal Blade - 1994). Whereas in previous albums, the content was offensive and atonal, "TTE" presents the band at its most musical (Even mainstream! Think Beavis and Butthead...) as well as at its most offensive; a paradox that would force them to censor a song and the liner art. The album centers around Skulhedface, an alien queen whose and body was deformed and race was vaporized by the Scumdog Legion millenia ago. Swearing revenge, she traveled to Earth when Gwar was hibernating and stole their Jizmoglobin, an bizarre fluid that gives Gwar their power. Flash forward to after Gwar has awakened- they are attempting to catch a ride on the World Maggot, a giant vermin that can forge an escape from Earth. Yet, Skulhedface is now disguised as a head of an evil corporation intent on GWAR's destruction. Gwar must foil her plans in order to return to their planet. As stated, the music is by far the most energetic and carnival-esque (similar to Faith No More in terms of genre swapping). It ranges from traditional punk rock (Jack the World) to grindcore (Sonderkommando, B.D.F.) to flourishing art-rock (Insidious Soliloquoy), funk (Pepperoni), lounge (Pocket Pool), and has several standouts besides (Slap U Around, Obliteration of Flav Quarv 7, Saddam A Go-Go).

RagNaRok

"RagNaRok" (Metal Blade, 1995) is a disappointing album from a musical perspective, but the storyline and "gimmicks" of Gwar remain in top form. A meteor is set to hit the Earth, the citizens of the world are in a panic, and Gwar is hoping to take advantage of the situation. It turns out to be Cardinal Syn, a robotic agent of harsh Catholic Dogma. Meanwhile, aliens impregnate Slymenstra (Gwar Woman) with Oderus's seed. The album concentrates more on a storyline than previous Gwar albums, but the ideas are expressed in a heavyhanded and uneven way that is annoying and derivative. The instrumental Surf of Syn is the most accomplished number. Dirty, Filthy and RagNaRok keep the humor alive, but there is little else to recommend here.

Carnival of Chaos

The band on "Carnival of Chaos" (Metal Blade, 1997) is even more disjointed. It is obvious that their quest is to emulate Faith No More and Mr. Bungle. Songs are strictly hit or miss, and there is no "story" to speak of. At this point, the members seemed to have dried the well of humor and began showing their age with tracks like If I Could Be That and Penguin Attack. Attempts to shock are merely mildly cute at best (Pre Skool Prostitute). Brockie shows off his scat singing skills in Billy Bad Ass and Hunter Jackson returns in the standout track Private Pain of Techno Destructo. The album ends on a literal high note with Slymenstra's lounge song Don't Need A Man, which is all well and good...but it belongs elsewhere.

We Kill Everything

Lauded as a return to their "roots" (whatever they are) "We Kill Everything" (Metal Blade, 1999) is a whimsical album of sloppily handled punk anthems that takes a note from Primus in its explicit zaniness. Gwar meets a new alien warrior, Scroda Moon (Hunter Thompson) who has to find the pieces of a broken tablet which, when put together, will allow them access to a Portal Potty (or giant, magical toilet) that can warp them off Earth for good. Needless to say, the music isn't much better than the story. They once again offer the funny (Fishfuck) the gross, (Babyraper - their *third* kiddy goosing anthem!!!) and the weird (Penile Drip). A couple songs are enough for a discerning fan to give them some props for trying (Short History of the World, Jaegarmonsta). But, overall, it was another hodgepodge of chaotic styles with little unexpected or interesting to glean from.

Violence Has Arrived

"Violence Has Arrived" (Metal Blade, 2001), is virtually an updated version of "Scumdogs of the Universe". It has no story, but the production is as high as ever. Standout tracks include Abyss of Woe, Apes of Wrath, and Licksore. The album lacks a distinct personality but re-attains the brutal focus of the earlier works.

Related Bands

DBX, X-Cops, Green Jelly, Kepone