RagNaRok

For those who are under the mistaken impression that gimmicks will only take a band so far, Gwar has countered with its sixth full-length studio album, Rag Na Rok. None of the songs on this go-around sticks out as a new musical direction, but then again, music isn't what made this group famous. The title track is the most engaging, as it contains both consistently audible lyrics and a discernible melody. The song begins with a series of cheesy Shakespeare references, but they're all somehow tied back to the concept of death and conquest. "Fire in the Loins" is more of a mini-drama than a song, as a groupie captures one of the band members and tortures him for his misdeeds. Most of the other tracks are repetitive, trite, boring, and stupid. If there was any doubt, Rag Na Rok is a purchase worthwhile for only the hardest of hardcore Gwar fans. Fortunately for Gwar, though, that's nearly all of them.