Description
Lars Frederiksen And The Bastards – Viking – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Viking is the second studio album by punk rock band Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards, released on August 12, 2004, through Hellcat Records. Fronted by Lars Frederiksen, best known as the guitarist for the influential punk band Rancid, this project allows him to explore more personal themes and a rawer, street-punk sound. Viking builds on the energy and grit of the band’s self-titled debut album, delivering intense, fast-paced tracks with lyrics that touch on Frederiksen’s roots, loyalty, rebellion, and love for punk culture.
Following the success of their 2001 debut, Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards, Frederiksen and his band (including Tim Armstrong of Rancid, who co-wrote and produced the album) returned with Viking, an album even more focused on Frederiksen’s personal stories and experiences. With influences from punk rock, Oi!, and hardcore, Viking is both confrontational and nostalgic, drawing inspiration from Frederiksen’s Danish heritage, life on the streets, and love for punk’s DIY ethos.
The album blends punk’s high-energy aggression with catchy, anthemic choruses and gritty storytelling. Frederiksen’s lyrics are direct, often exploring themes of identity, family loyalty, and survival, giving fans a glimpse into his life and his pride in his working-class background.
Key Tracks
“Bastards” – The opening track sets the tone with its unapologetic, anthemic shout-out to outsiders and rebels. It’s a high-energy ode to being a “bastard” in society’s eyes, combining fast guitars with a catchy chorus that’s perfect for shouting along.
“The Viking” – The title track pays homage to Frederiksen’s Danish heritage and his “Viking” lineage. It combines gritty punk riffs with lyrics that reflect strength, resilience, and pride, positioning Frederiksen as a modern Viking in both spirit and defiance.
“Skunx” – A tribute to Frederiksen’s dual identity as both a punk and a skinhead, “Skunx” is a powerful, fast-paced anthem celebrating subcultural unity. The track is raw and infectious, capturing a sense of loyalty and pride in his roots.
“1%” – This song is a defiant anthem of rebellion and nonconformity. The lyrics celebrate living outside society’s norms, embracing the punk rock ethos of rejecting mainstream expectations.
“Fight” – With a fast, aggressive beat, “Fight” captures the confrontational spirit of punk, speaking to the power of resistance and standing one’s ground. The track’s intensity makes it a standout, reflecting the album’s overall tone of resilience.
“If the Kids Are United” – A cover of the Sham 69 classic, this track carries the spirit of unity and solidarity, reinforcing the album’s themes of loyalty and community. Frederiksen’s version adds a raw edge, giving the song a new punk energy.
“Marie Marie” – This track departs from the album’s heavier themes, offering a fun, upbeat cover of the classic song by The Blasters. It brings rockabilly flair to the album, showcasing Frederiksen’s versatility and love for classic rock ‘n’ roll.
“Little Rude Girl” – A love song with punk attitude, “Little Rude Girl” is fast, playful, and catchy, capturing a lighter side of the album that balances out its intensity.
Viking is rooted in themes of loyalty, rebellion, pride, and heritage. Frederiksen’s lyrics are direct and grounded in personal experiences, creating a raw, unfiltered look into his life and values. The album’s references to his Danish roots, as well as tributes to punk and skinhead subcultures, reflect his pride in both his family and his chosen communities.
Produced by Tim Armstrong, Viking retains a gritty, unpolished feel, with driving guitar riffs, hard-hitting drums, and Frederiksen’s rough-edged vocals front and center. The production emphasizes the album’s street-punk energy, bringing out its rawness while keeping the sound cohesive.
Viking was well-received by fans of both Lars Frederiksen and Rancid, praised for its authenticity and unapologetic energy. Critics noted that the album provided a more personal side of Frederiksen, offering insights into his background and subcultural affiliations. Tracks like “Skunx” and “The Viking” became anthems for fans, resonating with listeners who identified with its themes of loyalty, pride, and rebellion.
Although Viking didn’t reach mainstream audiences, it holds a special place among punk fans for its dedication to the genre’s core values and its honest, street-level storytelling. The album has since become a cult favorite, celebrated for its fierce loyalty to punk culture and its refusal to compromise.
Viking stands as a defining album for Lars Frederiksen outside of Rancid, solidifying his place as an influential voice in punk. Its exploration of personal themes and cultural pride adds a unique layer to the punk genre, making it an album that resonates deeply with fans of street-punk and Oi!. For those who value punk’s raw energy and spirit of resilience, Viking is a powerful, authentic record that celebrates the unbreakable bond between heritage, identity, and rebellion.
Limited edition of 700
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Bastards
Skins, Punx And Drunx
Fight
Switchblade
Marie Marie
Little Rude Girl
Maggots
Mainlining Murder
For You
My Life To Live
The Kids Are Quiet On Sharmon Palms
Blind Ambition
Gods Of War
Streetwise Professor
The Viking
