Impaled Nazarene have never been one of my favourite bands, but I’ve always quite liked them. This is the first record I heard by the band, back when it came out, and I still think it’s their best one. It’s simple, loud, and in your face, yet I actually find it to be quite catchy.
This album is what I would consider mid-period Impaled Nazarene work. It hasn’t got the frantic and sick grindy black metal onslaught of the debut, “Tol Cormpt Norz Norz Norz”, but it’s certainly free of the power metal influence that has crept in on recent work. “Latex Cult” is clearly most influenced by early hardcore punk like Discharge, and Motorhead. If you don’t like hardcore, I still think this is worth a listen, and if you don’t like Motorhead….well, you can fuck off and die. Seriously though, what this album is more than anything else, is fun. From the steady, abrasive grind of almost every song on the album, to the fuzz-encrusted bass tone, to the venomous lyrics (mostly about sadomasochistic sex), this album will have your fists pumping and your face splitting in a nasty grin. The guitar sound is raw and sharp as a razor blade, to the point where if you’re not listening carefully you might just miss the riffs, but the songs are quite repetitive anyway, so it won’t take you long to penetrate the mix and catch on. Short, violent pummeling is what each track will give the listener, and it’s true there isn’t much variety to be had, but hell, if you want variety, listen to Frank Zappa or something, not punky black metal.
The definite highlight for me is “Motorpenis”, which is the most blatant Motorhead tribute on the album (obviously!) and perhaps it’s about Lemmy’s cock? Anyway, the crusty bass is turned up a notch here and sounds absolutely awesome. There’s even a sloppy wah-wah tinged bass solo! I also very much enjoy “Punishment is Absolute”, with its manic three chord riff and opening sample from “Silent Night, Deadly Night”.
rafazardly 