For Those About Squawk: Waldo Pecks on Kreator and Candlemass

There’s a lot going on right now—and very little of it is good—so hopefully me reviewing some new releases will be a welcome distraction. Remember, I’m not an elitist, you just have bad taste.

Thrash stalwarts Kreator are back in ripping form with their new one Hate Über Alles which translates to “Hate above all.” I gotta say, I was pleasantly surprised by this. I’ve been listening to them since I was a hatchling, and although not QUITE as fierce as Extreme Aggression and earlier, this still has the fire of the thrash band they were. Sorta. Don’t get me wrong, this is a solid thrash record, and although some of the fire is still there, it’s certainly a record played by guys in their 50s. Guitars and vocals sound mean and raw, but the processed drums take a lot of bite out of this. Still good, though. 9 Fucking Pecks.

Classic doomsters Candlemass hit us with a very important reissue. Epicus Doomicus Metallicus (take THAT spellcheck.) For those not in the know this is a doom CLASSIC recorded under a Stockholm subway. I’m not sure these guys knew what they had non their hands. This is heavy, slow, groovy and possibly the first extreme doom record of all time. I cannot say how much I love this. If you’ve ever heard this, remedy that, and then come watch the band perform the full record for the first time EVER in the U.S. at Decibel Magazine Metal & Beer Fest: Philly on June 10. It’s a must-buy. Classic. 10 Fucking Pecks.

Well, folk, I’d review the new GWAR but can’t get my feathers on it, so until next time…

Waldo out!