The Other They're Alive! Review

*Originally written in 2004*

Creatures of night, it’s that time again… The Samhain season is upon us and the dead have risen in search of human flesh! In celebration of this great occasion, I have chosen the Horrorpunk band “The Other”, from Cologne, Germany to talk help us bring in this glorious season. We will discuss their debut album, “They’re Alive”, which was released on Fiendforce Records this past summer. So, swing wide the gates of hell and rejoice, the four headed beast has descended.

From the opening bass lines of “Ripley 8″, The Other, sets the tone of “They’re Alive” with ferocious guitar riffs and maniacal drumbeats and grave ridden vocals that would make the godfather of Horrorpunk, Glenn Danzig, proud. “Ripley 8″ is fast, loud and packed with more Woah’s than you can shake a stick at! Vokillist Rod Usher, sings with such finesse and grace.

“Army Of Machines” is up next, The Other rips through it like a monster in search of human victims; fast and intense with the hint of Boo-wop, just for the spookiness in you.

“Beware Of Ghouls” is a graveyard ripping’ tune about the dead eating the dead and anything else they can devour. The background vocals on this track are nothing short of astonishing as is the guitar playing. This song is one that I’d compare to the almighty Misfits’ “Violent World”. It’s just that damn good!

“The Imp of The Perverse” is a toe tapping tune that carries such a heavy sadness that it almost brings a tear to this old vamp’s eyes. It’s a shame that madness has taken control over his life and causes him to do horrible things to his beloved. Usher’s vokills are amazing on this track. The background vocals also give the song depth and warmth. The melodies in this tune are mesmerizing and leave you feeling like you are swaying in and out of consciousness.

“Return Of the Repressed” is a monster of Horrorpunk insanity, laced with a timebomb of ROCK! Melody packed vokills spin this song into a dark abyss of torment and pain. The rhythm section featuring Drummer, Dr. Caligari, and Bassist, Andy Only really shine on this song.

“Down” is a juggernaut of a tune slammed with the best of everything The Other has to offer! Everything louder than everything else, lightning speed guitar and bass lines and drumming that is just scary to think about. Usher even growls in pain on this track or could it be pleasure? You be the judge.

“Wolf” is a very unusual track, specifically in this genre of music, in that it is filled with blues guitar riffs. The entire track right down to Usher’s vokills scream of the blues. Blues and Horrorpunk mixed, who would have ever thought? What a match made in hell! The lyrics fit in nicely with the tune as well, a very powerful and moving track about running with a She-Wolf.

“Dead Boys” is Horrorpunk at it’s very best. An anthem that signifies unity among all of heaven’s mutant children; swift like the wind, sharp as a knife and mean as a snake.

“Tarantula” is another great track Usher’s vokills are quite strong here. The background vokills and woah’s are loud and proud, too. I, for one, have never looked at the spider in the light Usher has portrayed her in this beautifully spun web of horror.

“Invasion” is a sci-fi geek’s fantasy world drenched in horrifying thoughts that Martians will invade the world one day, however, will the attack eventually see us becoming the Martians. My question is will it be world domination or galactic fornication?

“Hyde Inside” is an excellent track about one of the lesser talked about Horror stories of our time. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This track fills my heart with such a melancholy because I, in my life, relate to what Hyde went through, although I use no potions. I can’t contain the beast – he comes and goes as he pleases. Graceful is a term I’d use for this tune.

“Arise Undead” is about my most favorite possession. An Undead Bride! This track is Punk dialed up to 10 and splattered with Misfits influences, from the Graves era. I take that back... It’s better!

“666 Ways to Die” is a song that leaves nothing to the imagination. A murderous madman stalking female victims. Another track filled with blues riffs and unforgiving vokills.

Well, there you have it creeps, our ghoulish feature has expired. Let’s recap on what we’ve learned. The Other sing about monsters, murder and mayhem. They are far superior to their predecessors – The Misfits. So, if you dare, stop by Fiendforce Records website and pick up your copy today!  

~Black Angel