by Vincent Jeffries

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. "Penguin Attack" is an absolute hoot, with some of metal's all-time funniest lyrics: "They are on a rampage/They were first to fight/They would write a new page/If they could only write." Other choice cuts include the hardcore-esque "If I Could Be That" and the '80s pop of "I Suck on My Thumb." Stripped down and full of goofy but vibrant anxiety, Carnival of Chaos is a must for the thinking Gwar fan (if such a creature exists).