Gama Bomb Necronomicon Automaton Review
Ireland’s Thrash Metal darlings, Gama Bomb have planned and pulled off a stealthy sneak attack with the release of a new ep entitled “Necronomicon Automaton”. This is a surprise since we’re not far removed from the band’s 2023 offering of the album “Bats”. According to the info included with this new EP, the band were armed 30 or more tunes when they entered the studio to record the “Bats” album, so, the tracks on this EP are some of the band’s favorites from those sessions.
In true Gama Bomb fashion, the music on this EP is relentless, cheeky and gnarly in the most wonderful of ways. Admittedly, it’s hard to dig into a 4 track EP and look for reasoning, thought processes and so forth. However, it’s Gama Bomb – you know you’re going to be met with machine gun riffing, earsplitting lead breaks and blistering falsetto vocals that only Philly Byrne can deliver! Truth be known, the tracks on this EP are much better than anything from the “Bats” release, I know that’s sacrilege for a fan to utter, but the flow and track listing of this EP is consistent, pointed and so well put together. The lyrical content remains in line with the band’s typical approach – humor and fun which is another big reason I’ve loved the band since I saw them on their first U.S. tour.
It’s hard to pick a favorite or a standout here, they’re all winners, it just depends on what generation you’re from – I’m a Gen X’er so “Nunchucks” and the title track “Necronomicon Automaton” are the two tracks I relate to the most. Truthfully, everything Gama Bomb releases has something relatable in it, they’re highly aware of Pop culture, Horror, Gaming and of course iconic 80’s history. Admittedly, I’m a bit disappointed that I’m not seeing where this EP will get a physical release. For now, it looks like the only point of purchase is a download. Physical media is still a necessary – this needs a 10”/12” colored vinyl release and a CD release, we command it! After all, we can’t get a download signed the next time Gama Bomb rolls through town!