Gwar – Hell-O (1988)

November 10, 2024

As fun as it is to hear the very origins of Gwar (at least in regards to full length albums) and how the monstrous characters involved transitioned into this outfit from past project(s), I find myself not enjoying this record as much as I thought I would. Hell-O seems a bit unsteady on its feet. It’s not that the band perhaps are not clear on what they want yet; no band makes this kind of crazy cacophony without the confidence and resolve to back it up! 

Hell-O has punk roots, but a surprising amount of hallmarks from the post punk and noise rock worlds too. It’s an interesting – and of course unique listen – but not a style that I think really suited Gwar all that much.