It’s been five long years since “party doom” riff merchants GURT released their last crushing opus Bongs of Praise, now they have returned with their latest, crushing-ist opus yet, Satan Etc, via When Planets Collide and is available to order through here.
A lot has happened in the band members lives since 2019, some suffered tragic losses, some welcomed new life into the world, some grew awesome skullets. Not to mention that global event in 2020 that kept us all inside.
Left to ferment in frustrating circumstances has led to the new material being more aggressive and abrasive than previous offerings, whilst still retaining that signature GURT silliness and swagger.
We asked the band about some releases that have played a big influence on their musical career and Satan Etc.
Manowar – Battle Hymns (Bill Jacobs – drums)
Listen up posers, I’m sorry to break it to you but this is one of the best metal albums of all time. Mean riffs, one of the greatest vocalists to ever do it and most importantly actual memorable tunes. Whilst the bands inherent hilarity might be lost on its own members, who’s dedication to self seriousness still leaves me wondering if the whole thing is in reality a parody, this album always reminds me that heavy metal is at its best when it is fun, pompous, cheesy and can still kick your dick off. In a time when sour-faced, pretentious whisper core is all the rage, give me ridiculous bombastic buffoons in loincloths any day. HAIL AND KILL!
Will Haven – El Diablo (Gareth Kelly – vocals)
This was my first experience of proper heaviness in a band having watched them live opening for Deftones on the Around the Fur tour. They opened with ‘I’ve seen my fate’ and within the first second I lost my shoe whilst being dragged into the pit! It’s a moment I will never forget and it’s fair to say I was obsessed from that moment. I think it’s clear that Grady is a very clear influence on my vocal style! It’s in tracks like ‘Mason’ and ‘Foreign film’ I was fully hooked, the utter crushing heaviness and simplicity, they were way ahead of their time and it’s still as good (and relevant) today as it was in 1997.
Funkadelic – Maggot Brain (David Blakemore – bass)
The first album I ever bought off the strength of the artwork alone (easily one the best album covers ever designed) luckily does not disappoint musically. George Clinton and gang are at their weirdest and best on this one, effortlessly blending genres without losing their groove or pop sensibilities. Opening the album with a 10 minute psychedelic jam is a bold and unexpected choice, which cleverly makes the following shorter and catchier songs sound all the more sweet. ‘Super Stupid’ shifts gears again, sounding more like a long lost Hendrix song with it’s amazing guitar work, riffs and attitude. A fun and unpredictable album which I always look forward to listening to full of music that refuses to be confined by the rules of any one genre.
