CARNIVAL OF CHAOS [2LP] (BROWN EYED GIRL VINYL, GATEFOLD, LIMITED TO 1000)

Chock-full of random derision, expansive snarkiness, and low-down garage sensibilities, Carnival of Chaos is Gwar at its best. The snapshots of a cartoon apocalypse and over-the-top deviance of this 1997 Metal Blade release are in strict keeping with the group's foul vision. The punk-inflected chugging and whining guitar lines make this one of Gwar's most sylized and, well, listenable releases to date. But the bizarre and frequently self-effacing lyrics are what make Carnival of Chaos one of Gwar's best offerings.