Length 47:31 Release date 1998 | Label Boomba Rec | |
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Released 1998January 26, 1999 (US) Recorded Autumn of 1997 by Pål Hlaast, additional recording by Christian A. Calmeyer at Endless Sound, Oslo Apocalypse Dudes(1998) Darkness Forever!(1999) Similar Turbonegro albums, Rock music albums | ||
Apocalypse Dudes is the fourth album from Norwegian band Turbonegro. It is the first studio album to feature lead guitarist Euroboy and the last album before the band disbanded in December 1998. Released in early 1998 in Norway and Germany, the album was a huge success for the then underground band.
Contents
Adapting a more glam-rock oriented sound, Apocalypse Dudes set the standard for future Turbonegro records and became the first part of the Apocalypse trilogy, consisting of Apocalypse Dudes (1998), Scandinavian Leather (2003) and Party Animals (2005).
Turbonegro the age of pamparius
Production
Following the addition of guitarist Euroboy and drummer Chris Summers, Turbonegro had adapted a new sound with the release of their Prince of the Rodeo single, gradually moving from punk rock to glam rock. The band retreated to the studio in late 1997, after extensive touring.
While its predecessor Ass Cobra was an all-out punk rock record, Apocalypse Dudes adds a more produced, rock-oriented sound characterized by a wall of guitars and blistering solos. "The Age of Pamparius" stars out with an ascending guitar solo over piano and acoustic guitar, reminiscent of Alice Cooper, before fading into a myriad of synth noises and a whispering voice introducing the album. A plucked guitar riff is then played before the song erupts into fast-paced glam rock. "Get it On" is introduced by thundering drums and a guitar-riff in the style of The Dictators. "Rock Against Ass" and "Don't Say Motherfucker, Motherfucker" contains elements of pop rock. "Prince of the Rodeo" features conga drums while "Humiliation Street" is a dark ballad, ending with an extended guitar solo. The album's final song, "Good Head", is a cover of Schreiner and Seltzer's earlier garage rock band, The Vikings.
Apocalypse Dudes presents Turbonegro's trademark deathpunk sound, "a new resurgence of glam rock'n'roll" as the Boomba announcement put it - much due to guitarist Euroboy, who was playing with the band live since 1996.
Moshable magazine commented: "Apocalypse Dudes is the perfect mix of classic 70's US punk / rock'n'roll like The Dictators, The Heartbreakers & The Ramones... every tune on this release is fucking brilliant". Jello Biafra was quoted as saying, "the new Turbonegro record is possibly the most important European record ever."
The original Boomba announcement from April, 1998 states: "This my friends, is a virtually perfect record! Excellent production- a huge, FAT sound; lots of power and excellent songs that you can't get out of your head. Not one let down through 47 minutes of music!! This is not an underground tip !! 'Apocalypse Dudes' appeals to the masses. From punk to metal to mainstream, "Apocalypse Dudes" has something for everyone."
Release
Apocalypse Dudes was released on Virgin Records on Compact Disc in Norway, on Boomba Records on 12" Vinyl & Compact Disc in Germany, on Bitzcore Records on 12" Vinyl in Germany and on Man's Ruin/Sympathy for the Record Industry on 12" Vinyl & Compact Disc on January 26, 1999 in the United States. It was re-released on January 27, 2003 on Burning Heart Records in Sweden and on Epitaph Records in the USA. It also went gold in their native Norway.
Legacy
Track listing
All tracks written by Turbonegro, except where noted.
Line-up
Credits
Songs
1The Age of Pamparius6:00
2Selfdestructo Bust2:56
3Get It On4:07