Quarantine Compilation Volumes 1 & 2
The beginning of 2020 has not had very many ups. Wildfires in Australia, impeachment trials in the U.S., further conflict in the Middle East, major hits to the world economy, and the Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. Many businesses have closed, jobs have been lost, loved ones lost, and people are suggested, and in some places ordered, to stay at home to isolate themselves into a self-quarantine in order to stop the spread of this new virus. Small businesses, venues, bars, clubs, bands, and artists have been hit harder than they have in decades. The very soul of D.I.Y. has taken a major hit.
All around the globe, the effects of this pandemic, and the efforts of the people to calm and eventually stop its spread have taken a heavy toll on those who rely on a thriving live music scene. Many are taking it upon themselves to aide these artists to ensure at the end of this pandemic, the music can go on.
The team of Ronin, Steph Infection, and Joey B at Horror Punks USA have collected songs from over 60 artists from the US and Canada into the Quarantine Compilation. Volumes 1 and 2 are available for download now at a “Name Your Own Price” deal on Bandcamp. The proceeds from the download sales are going towards making physical CDs for the bands to be able to sell along with their own merch that would have been available on their canceled tours. The goal is to help spread the word of these bands so when tours and live shows can resume, there will be new fans, and available funds to keep it all going. With this being a Horror Punk compilation, let the “Whoa’s” begin.
Volume 1 (* indicates new song)
Savage Remains – “War Boys”
Any good apocalypse needs Mad Max references. With the way the world currently is, people have been joking about everything turning into Mad Max, so an opener about the War Boys is just great. It’s upbeat, catchy chorus, and sets the mood for what’s to come.
5¢ Freakshow – “My Sweet Elena”
Starting with that unmistakable sound of stand-up bass is always a welcome touch. This is a great example of Horror Punk for anyone new to the genre. The ever present catchy chorus sticks with you and the style of the vocals fit perfectly.
The Memphis Murder Men – “Out For Blood”
Amped up Rock N Roll about murder. 1950’s rhythms with a bit more gain/drive. Fun song.
The Haunting – “They Live”*
More on the punk side of horror punk. Fast paced, simple chord progressions, aggressive vocals, chant along chorus. Great lead guitar on a great solo.
Doomsdale High – “Seance You Love Me”
Sounding like Doo Wop/1950’s pop, but about communicating with a dead lover. Love doesn’t require flesh.
Robby Bloodshed – “Red Ice”
The intro almost throws you off. It has an epic, 80s metal sound going on, then moves right into more of a horror punk sound. The piano is an excellent addition and was also unexpected.
Sonic Creeps – “Revolt of the Androids”
The first “heavy” song of the compilation does not disappoint. Sonic Creeps very clearly pull inspiration from metalcore and have breakdowns and pinch squeals coinciding with the classic horror punk style vocals.
Voice of Doom – “The Dybbuk”*
The intro has dark, spooky vibe but is followed by a great groove that you almost get lost in.
The Jasons – “Crazy Ralph 2020”*
Unexpected to say the least. Very 90s/00s punk rock/skate punk sounding, but fits with the theme as every area seems to have a Crazy Ralph running around right now.
Shewolf Dana Kain and the Mighty Incisors – “Bump in the Night”
Heavy bass and gritty vocals. Just what Horror Rock needs to be. This would be a band to see live at a dive bar once this is all over.
The Negans – “Murderous Murder”*
Fuzzy, great bass playing, heavy rock n roll lead guitar with excellent soloing. Lyrical content is something truly horrifying with its mix of unknown, and discovery of decay and fear of death.
Grimm – “I, Monster”
Fast paced, blasting snare drum, heavily distorted guitar and needs to be played in a small club that is packed way beyond fire coding.
Dickie Devil and the Deviants – “Creatures Pet”*
Right out of the gate, the lead guitar is very reminiscent of the Dead Kennedy’s (think “Police Truck” and “Too Drunk…”), but with an almost Chicago Blues style vocal. Great to groove along to.
The Lycotones – “Creepshow”
The Lycotones are one of those bands within any Horror related genre of music, that just does not disappoint. It would be easy to compare them to classic artists of the genre, but that would not do them justice. The haunting vocals, steady rhythm and harmonized choruses make for a great song.
The Mad Splatter – “Devil’s Business”
“Whoa’s” aplenty in this one. Something that often gets made fun of within the genre(often at their own expense), but just fits. This song wouldn’t be complete without them.
Dr.Chud’s X-Ward – “Mommy Made Luv 2 an Alien”
Having Dr. Chud on this compilation is just a perfect addition. Not much is needed to be said, it sounds exactly as expected. He played with the Misfits, both Graves and Doyle after the split, and Blitzkid, he is a legend in the scene and it is great X-Ward has been included in this project.
The Noid – “See You In Hell”
Very prevalent bass right from the start. Easy to follow and tapping along will happen.
Dirty Dead – “Green River Romance”
Immediately catchy. It grabs hold and doesn’t let up. The harmonized vocals at the end are incredible over the heaviness of the music.
Crypt 24 – “I Wanna Be Your Zombie”
Rockabilly infused Rock N Roll. Tapping along starts right away and stays until the end. Freight train rhythm, and lightly driven guitar with deep and gravely vocals.
The Mary Lous – “Mary Lou”
Campy 50’s sound with surf vibes. This could be on the soundtrack of a Horror B-Movie about a 50s Highschool that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and it couldn’t get much better than that.
Volume 2 (* indicates new song)
The Renfields – “Halloween Night”
Probably one of the more subtle references to John Carpenter’s “Halloween”. The dual vocals are great.
Paul Mauled – “Pandemic Panic”
The most appropriate song in response to recent events. “My Mad Max fantasy, is coming to fruition. Instead of gasoline, toilet paper is the mission. So many asswipes, so little time” Simply fantastic.
Ratbatspider – “Kingdom of the Spiders” *
Heavy punk rock. Great guitar parts, and the changing vocal styles (clean to gravely) works well with the aggressive tone.
Splatterhouse – “Prowler”
Classic Thrash guitar intro, and thrash speeds throughout, and thrash length over all (1:50), played over horror movie clips.
Dead End Lane – “Adore You”
The vocals are a definite standout here. Fast paced punk rock with vocals that just grab on.
Silent Horror – “Silver Screen”
Heavy bass and harmonized vocals are such a great combination, it’s no question as to why Horror Punk uses it so much. It just works. Silent Horror have found a great recipe.
Mummula – “World of Tomorrow” HPUSA Version *
50’s Rock N Roll style vocals with catchy rhythm and lyrics. Another fun song.
Freakshow Sinema – “Dead Girls”
Great intro. The faster pace and aggressive vocals makes this a stand out. The solo towards the end just cements its status as a favorite.
Grave Robber – “The Beast of Busco”
Very classic Horror Punk sound. Shining example for anyone new to the genre.
Die Ghost – “Disease”
The almost industrial sounding intro, is almost a throw-off, but it leads right into heavy, aggressive punk rock. This will be a band to follow and see live.
Children of October – “Six Feet Away”
Intro is reminiscent of a faster tempo funeral march. Although, the six feet in the song is vertical in reference to a grave, it also fits well into this compilation when considering social distancing.
Tomb of Nick Cage – “Night of the Lamprey”
Absolutely killer lead guitar playing and classic Punk style vocals. The theremin is awesome as well.
The Writhers – “Kill the Monster”
Previous happily reviewed band and song. The bass playing is a standout along with the great vibrato of the vocals.
Pain! – “Call of the Dead”
Excellently catchy. Great solo and lead playing throughout.
Let’s Disinfect – “I Can Save the Blood Bank!” *
The 8-bit is definitely attention grabbing and unexpected. It’s probably been over said, but another fun song.
The Tomb Tones – “Jumpy” (Live)
What it would sound like if The Cramps were from Texas.
The B Movie Monsters – “Let’s Kill the Prom Queen”
Fun audio clip usage at the beginning and end. Campy song that fits the name of the band, and song title perfectly.
The End A.D. – “Why Won’t You Die”
Fast paced, aggressive, angry, and maybe a foreshadowing of the zombie apocalypse to come?
Voodoo Death Cult – “Skull-A-Bye” (Live)
This song starts out with a heavy Doom metal feel. The gravely vocals add to the Doom/Sludge feel. It being a live recorded makes for a great example of the purpose of this compilation.
The Sadists – “Murder Junkie” *
Very fuzzy. Very aggressive.
These first two volumes of this compilation set are fun listens. They are a great mix of music that falls under the banner of Horror. There is a hope that new fans are found, and at the end of this pandemic the live music scene can once again thrive. Reviews of the further volumes will continue!
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