by Johnny Loftus
From the beginning, it's been one of Gwar's tricks to riff on the clichés of heavy metal while writing capably within the genre. The band's third effort presents a clutch of songs that don't disappoint in the grosser than gross category, but also feature tighter pacing and better performances. (Note-perfect thrash opener &Ham on the Bone& should confuse anyone who hasn't yet figured out the joke.) Lyrically, Gwar is up to its old tricks, presenting the aligning-the-alien anthem &Gor-Gor& next to &Have You Seen Me?,& an utterly tasteless ode to kidnapping and molestation. Expanding its palette beyond the usual space alien mumbo jumbo, sexual perversion, and scatology, Gwar takes on detractors who can't take a joke with &Morality Squad,& and comments on censorship and race with an audio sample-laced instrumental. Later, metal's penchant for power ballads is eviscerated with the hilariously gory &Road Behind,& and &Rock & Roll Never Felt So Good& crosses Kiss with an unsettling account of groupie decadence. Gwar is certainly an equal-opportunity offender. But the cynical humor that laces each song can't be ignored, even if you don't think it's funny.