LABEL: Metal Blade
VINYL RELEASE DATE: 6/24/2022
ORIGINAL RELEASE DATE: 1997
VARIANT: Brown Vinyl 2LP

"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 stylized 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)." -Jason Anderson, AllMusic.com, 4/5 stars