GAMA BOMB
GAMA BOMB “Bats”
by Thor
GAMA BOMB has been one of Ireland’s leading thrash metal exports for over 20 years and they’re back with a new LP called “Bats”. As it’s my maiden voyage with the band, I have some thoughts on “Bats”.GAMA BOMB is advertised as a thrash metal band, and they are. But they also do more than just lean into traditional/power metal here.
Musically, these guys are incredible. Each member has unreal chops. Their songs are well-composed, and the album is very well produced. Sonically, you can’t ask for much more. However, the vocals are where the traditional/power metal influences reside and when you combine their clean, melodic, and always riding a knife’s edge made of cheese vocal aesthetic with their often-silly song concepts, the whole thing comes off like cartoon metal.
On “Bats”, GAMA BOMB is a bit like a heavier STEEL PANTHER but not heavy enough to be taken any more seriously than that. And they average at least one super annoying thing for every 30 seconds of music. In fact, their consistency in this regard is almost impressive.
The bottom line is that this overwrought, over-the-top style is just not my thing. Conversely, though, if that approach is your thing, then GAMA BOMB is where it’s at. They are a truly great band with a tragically goofy delivery. Fans of novelty and comedy metal a la DETHKLOK, STEEL PANTHER, and ZIMMER’S HOLE will dig it. Not for the lactose intolerant.