Product ReviewsBeyond Hell [PA] [Limited] by GWAR (CD, Aug-2006, DRT Entertainment)

MAGNIFICENT

While it hasn't held up quite as well as GWAR's previous release (War Party) in terms of replay-ability, this is still some of their best stuff yet. There is no disputing that GWAR's early releases are timeless classics, but for many years it seemed that they had lost their appetite for mayhem, opting instead for the silly. After We Kill Everything & Carnival of Chaos I had serious doubts about the survival of this band. Then Violence Has Arrived was released and held a glimmer of what was to come: A newer, pissed-off GWAR with skilled musicianship & raw intensity replacing much of the fluffing. War Party established that Dave Brockie & co. still had the style and energy to pull off a serious metal album (well - as serious as you can get while wearing a rubber monster costume). Beyond Hell continues in this vein, song after song thundering mightily, thus solidifying the Antarctican Gods' place among today's worthy metal acts, and securing their section on my CD shelf. I was a little disappointed in their rendition of Alice Cooper's "School's Out." After hearing it covered so many times throughout the years (most notably by 45 Grave, who handled it rather well), it doesn't do much for me, aside from bringing forth a giggle or two. Not a show stopper by any means. The rest of the release more than makes up for it. HAIL GWAR!!!!Read full review...