Holy Crow!!!! That was the first thing that came to mind when this album started to make its rounds in my cd player. The Maker (also the name of the first song) blasts of in pure aggression after a minute or so intro that sets a creepy atmosphere that you would normally find on a death or black metal album. Mikey’s first words just add to this feeling and when Joe Perreze unleashes his demons seconds later you know you’re in for a wild and blasphemous ride…
Two songs in and you’re looking for things in your living room to destroy, people to hit in the face, smash things up and go ape shit! I’ve seldomly come across an album that triggers these emotions after just two songs… “This is the best Goddamn Gallows album ever!” was all I could think, and after Seven Devils I was really sceptic if they could top it.
With every song the band drags you further into their world of darkness and despair and it just feels like home. Some months ago Baby Genius told us he hates it when the band is called a roots band and with this album they make a statement that indeed that term is not one to use for The Goddamn Gallows. The instruments used on this album would indeed suggest you where going to listen to a “roots” album, but I don’t think that even their most loyal fans could have seen this curve ball coming. It’s not that their sound has changed that much, they just brought it unto an other level. The sonic assault that is The Maker just blasts your socks off…
After seven songs the band allows you your first moment to get your stuff back together and take a deep breath with the song Ol’ Dusty Trail but after that they drag you’re sweaty, blood drenched corpse back down for a second wild ride on this roller coaster from hell that is The Maker. With this album the guys have reached a new level of musical rulership and if there ever was a metal or punk festival that has the balls to put them on the same bill with your most brutal black metal or most radical punk band, The Goddamn Gallows would still come out victorious, if people would only have an open mind…
The album is released by Farmageddon Records and recorded and mixed by Andy Gibson who we know as the steel guitar player for Hank III. Joe Perreze is responsible for the great artwork.
Good news for our European readers, the boys will be touring Europe this year! We’ve had the privileges to see them live four times and if you’ve never seen GG Allin perform, this is the next best thing. You know what… Fuck GG, the Gallows RULE!
P.S. Thank you Wendi D Story for introducing me to the phrase “Holy Crow”.
P.P.S. Don’t let the ghost of GG Allin read this, I have way to much respect for the godfather of scumfucks, but this review needed to go out with a bang…
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