Description
Gwar – Ragnarok – Grey and White Marble Vinyl Record
Ragnarok is the fifth studio album by American heavy metal band Gwar, released on October 24, 1995. Known for their elaborate costumes, theatrical performances, and satirical lyrics, Gwar created ‘Ragnarok’ as a concept album that continues their tradition of combining heavy metal with outrageous humor and social commentary. The album delves into themes of apocalypse, mythology, and societal critique, all wrapped in the band’s signature over-the-top style.
The album opens with the title track, Ragnarok, an epic and bombastic song that sets the tone for the album. It features driving guitar riffs, powerful drumming, and the growling vocals of lead singer Oderus Urungus (Dave Brockie). The lyrics explore the Norse myth of the end of the world, aligning with Gwar’s apocalyptic and fantastical themes.
‘Whargoul’ follows with its aggressive tempo and heavy instrumentation. The song showcases the band’s ability to blend thrash metal with punk influences, delivering high-energy performances and catchy choruses. The track tells the story of a monstrous creature, fitting into the album’s mythological narrative.
‘Vlad the Impaler’ is another standout track, combining humor with historical references. The song’s lyrics humorously recount the brutal exploits of the infamous Vlad III, known as Dracula. Musically, it features a mix of fast-paced riffs and melodic sections, highlighting Gwar’s versatility.
The track ‘Dirty, Filthy’ offers a more groove-oriented sound, with a slower tempo and a heavy, sludgy feel. The song’s lyrics, filled with dark humor, critique societal norms and behaviors, a common theme in Gwar’s discography.
‘Knife in Yer Guts’ ramps up the intensity with its rapid-fire drumming and aggressive guitar work. The song’s violent imagery and energetic performance make it a quintessential Gwar track, showcasing their ability to create intense and memorable music.
‘Think You Outta Know This’ provides a satirical take on relationships and personal interactions, blending humor with sharp social commentary. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it one of the more accessible tracks on the album.
‘Martyr Dumb’ features slower, more melodic sections interspersed with heavy, riff-driven parts. The song’s lyrics explore themes of sacrifice and martyrdom, fitting into the album’s overarching narrative of chaos and destruction.
The album also includes tracks like ‘Crush, Kill, Destroy’ and ‘None But the Brave,’ which continue to deliver Gwar’s signature blend of heavy metal and theatricality. These songs feature complex arrangements, powerful performances, and the band’s trademark dark humor.
The production of Ragnarok is polished, with a clear and powerful sound that enhances the band’s dynamic performances. The album was produced by Gwar and Ron Goudie, who managed to capture the energy and intensity of the band’s live shows in the studio recordings.
Ragnarok was well-received by fans and critics, praised for its musical diversity, lyrical content, and the band’s commitment to their unique artistic vision. The album solidified Gwar’s reputation as one of the most original and entertaining bands in the heavy metal genre.
Ragnarok is a quintessential Gwar album that combines heavy metal with theatricality, humor, and social commentary. It showcases the band’s ability to create music that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, cementing their place in the pantheon of metal legends. For fans of Gwar and those new to their music, Ragnarok offers a comprehensive and engaging listening experience that captures the essence of the band’s unique style.
First vinyl pressing
Gray/white marbled Limited To 1000 Copies
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Meat Sandwich
The New Plague
Whargoul
Rag Na Rok
Dirty, Filthy
Stalin’s Organs
Knife In Yer Guts
Think You Outta Know This
Martyr Dumb
Nudged
Fire In The Loins
Surf Of Syn
Crush, Kill, Destroy
None But The Brave
