A band who need no introduction, GWAR have been bridging the gap between Richmond, Virginia punk and metal and superhuman, alien space rock hailing from Antarctica since the ‘90s, and they’re still going strong. To the joy of longtime and new fans alike, they recently dropped a new album via Pit Records, The New Dark Ages. The record, while not a huge departure from their previous work, is a testament to the fact that after all these years, they still have it.
“We draw our inspiration from the idiocracy of humanity,” says lead guitarist and backing vocalist Pustulus Maximus, aka Brent Purgason. “And quite simply, the human race is ascending deeper and deeper into the new Dark Ages, and you’re being trapped by your own technology. You disavow knowledge, integrity, morality, things of this nature in the pursuit of higher political power and money and wealth and things like that. It’s a disgusting scene, quite frankly. The world is descending into chaos, and there’s nothing you can do about it. And this is just our way of rubbing it in your faces.”
In addition to the new record, which carries the band’s signature metal/punk sound, equal parts humorous and heavy, they also have some other projects in the works, including a line of local beers they’ve done for annual event Gwar B Q in Richmond. Now, for the first time, the beer will be available via Anheuser Busch distribution across the country through their work with Devil’s Backbone.
They are also on tour throughout the U.S. this coming spring, as well as some dates this summer and fall. From their upcoming shows, you can expect even more of a treat than usual, and the band can’t wait to put out more music after this one, and aren’t showing signs of slowing down any time soon.
“This is going to be a very unique GWAR experience considering not only we have a record, but the comic book that came out recently,” he says. “There was a very long wait from this last record to this one, and we personally can’t wait to put out new material. And this new record? It’s going to be no-bullshit, straight-up heavy metal. We’ve done a lot of experimenting, but I think it’s time to just kick people in the face with brutal, hard, heavy riffs. Fuck melody and just go for it—Go for the throat.
Purgason also reiterates that, as we all know, life is hopeless and the apocalypse is here.
“There’s no point in saving yourself or saving anyone else. Sacrifice your life to GWAR, and at least come and see the spectacle that is the show before you give yourself onto the dark side.”
And he’s right–If you haven’t already treated yourself to a live GWAR performance, you’re definitely missing out.
Watch the video for “Ratcatcher” here:
For more from GWAR, find them on Facebook, Instagram, and their official website.
Photo courtesy of Elena de Soto
