REVIEW: Gwar – ‘Battle Maximus’

September 25th, 2013

Matthew Leimkuehler

Artist: Gwar
Album: Battle Maximus
Genre: Uhhh…Gwar?
Label: Metal Blade

New record, same ole’ Gwar. It is as though this band is synonymous with the saying “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” The new record and thirteenth studio effort by Gwar, Battle Maximus, is yet another chapter in the saga of metal’s most interesting movement. Gwar will forever be known for shaping and constricting the boundaries of what can take place on a stage and this new record provides the band with some different tunes to skull-fuck Jesus to.

Let it not be mistaken, Gwar is the best masked metal act in America (sorry, Slipknot) and Battle Maximus is another pleasing record for fans of the truly gruesome. Songs such as “Triumph of the Pig Children” and “Madness at the Core of Time” help define what makes this act so interestingly successful. Gwar frontman Oderus Urungus spits lyrics depicting global depression and outright chaos over blasting, beefy riffs, proving some of the most diverse and heavy music of the band’s long career.

Gwar shows glimpses of creativity outside of what can be expected on Battle Maximus. Tracks such as “Mr. Perfect” and “Falling” are undoubtedly Gwar, yet sound as though they were attempting to break out of the mold they have created in their 20+ years of making people vomit on a nightly basis. “Falling” comes off as an entrancing ballad, where blast beats are substituted for a strong melody. Short and effective, “Falling” comes across as a totally unique number that stands out amongst the heavier numbers on the record.

Battle Maximus is another solid addition to a family of Gwar records containing some of the most offensive and digesting music of a modern era. Next time you head out to catch Gwar, be sure not to miss tracks such as “Raped at Birth” off of Battle Maximus, it can only be assumed they have a new set of jaw-dropping antics planned for this album’s release.

Rating: 7.5/10

By Matthew Leimkuehler (@callinghomematt)