Hutchie is at it again, and although not out for a few weeks we wanted to make sure we shared his thoughts on the new Gama Bomb Album before the band hit their stride in the UK… including Derby Alt Fest on Saturday….

Ah, Gama Bomb. Gotta love this crazy bunch. They remind me of The Anthill Mob in The Perils of Penelope Pitstop. Always galloping around at full speed, crashing through to save the day. Maybe my images are more of them crammed into a shopping cart though, rather than Chugga Boom. 

Always entertaining live, the lads from Newry don’t always get it 100% on record although I loved their last album Sea Savage, which dropped during the Pandemic.  It was an excellent release, and one that cemented their status as one of the premier UK(ish) thrash bands. The challenge for Gama Bomb has always been to blend their anarchic live approach with their undoubted quality as musicians. And on eighth album BATS they show their stripes, for it is a real grower. 

First listen wasn’t good. I found Philly’s vocals a little challenging, and the songs a little throwaway. But like all good things, with patience comes the rewards. Once again, Gama Bomb take the listener on a journey through their music. Last time out it was all about sea shanties, whales, and monsters. This time, we head to Egypt, fly through old Hollywood, and take in many other adventures. It’s a crazy trip alright, and one that the band have called their “weirdest” album yet.  

The creak of ancient tombs introduces us to the album; Prologue: Under the Pyramids providing the intro that leads into the frantic thrashing power of Egyptron. It’s a strong start, with the band locked in tightly, their familiar drive and tempo, and Philly’s unique vocal delivery soaring high. And then the first curveball is in your face. An Egyptian breakdown, with saxophone wailing away (thanks to Gavin Herins) before the all-out thrash attack resumes. We also get a bit of help from the Hip Hop legend The Egyptian Lover. It’s a track that needs a couple of listens to appreciate, for at first it doesn’t seem to fit quite right. Once you are past that reservation though, it’s great listening.  

Once again, Gama Bomb have the powerhouse James Stewart in the engine room. The Vadar/Decapitated man is on fine form throughout BATS, his technical prowess is now a key element in the Gama Bomb sound these days. That’s needed, for the songs are short, sharp, and ferocious. Only one track makes the five-minute mark, Gama Bomb preferring to hit hard and fast. Tracks like Living Dead in Beverly Hills and Dreamstealer simply melt your face off with their up-tempo approach. They should rock comprehensively in the live shows.  

Fans will be familiar with the early singles that have already arrived. Most recently, we had the lighter edge of Rusted Gold, another song that brings the Wild West into the chaos that is exploding throughout the album. It’s a banger in my book, a real singalong track. In contrast, the high-pitched vocals on Materialised may well pose more of a challenge. Whilst the guitar work is soulful and bluesy, and the speed ferocious, the screaming delivery isn’t going to be for everyone.  

Whilst Gama Bomb have always stuck to their thrash roots, there are other forces at work here. The punkish attitude of Bad Brains et al combines with the more familiar influences – think Tankard and Sodom for starters. There’s always some abstractness to a Gama Bomb release, and the punishing speed of Don’t Get Your Hair Cut disguises one of the weaker tracks here. In contrast, the more measured power of Dreamstealer with the dual guitar harmonies ticks all the boxes, with Stewart’s relentless drumming propelling the track forward.  

BATS is an album that also throws in a bit of classic metal. You can’t help but notice the Priest influences on Bats in Your Hair which closes the album out. It’s Priest in many guises, and one of the most energetic tracks here. Crazy, zany, but certainly not a joke, even the phantom saxophone that returns for a final blast seems appropriate.  

Produced, mixed, and mastered by guitarist Domo Dixon, there’s a strong retro feel in terms of the subject matter throughout BATS. Plenty of sixties inspired aesthetics. The album art (credit – Graham Humphreys: Evil Dead, A Nightmare on Elm Street etc.) is spectacular, a definite iconic B-movie style, and a must for a poster or shirt at the band’s upcoming UK tour. It’s going to be interesting to see how these songs work alongside their more established songs. But it’ll be great, whatever. For a band who grew up in the Troubles, and still have the broadest smiles you’ve ever seen. Gama Bomb are still producing solid metal.  

Gama Bomb, BATS is out on the 10th November via Prosthetic Records but hopefully you may of seen some of the new songs live by them!!