In the three years since Suicidal Tendencies released their last album, 13 (Suicidal), to a somewhat mixed reception, things have changed substantially once again in the Californian act’s camp. Main man Mike Muir and his trademark bandanna are back of course, but only lead guitarist Dean Pleasants survives from the 2013 line-up. Out go guitarist Nico Santora, bassist Stephen Bruner, and drummer Eric Moore, to be replaced by Jeff Pogan (rhythm guitar), Ra Diaz (bass), and some chap called Dave Lombardo holding the sticks.

So, has the addition of the former Slayer skinsman helped the Suicidal machine find its footing again? Well, it certainly hasn’t done any harm. World Gone Mad (Suicidal Records) is the sound of a band kicking themselves up the arse and getting down to some serious business. Reinvigorated and re-energised, this is the Suicidal Tendencies people have been waiting for.

Right from the punky intro to the brilliantly titled opener ‘Clap Like Ozzy’, it’s clear that World Gone Mad is going to be fast, furious, and fun – even if the chorus does sound more like ‘Crap Like Ozzy’ in places. Part Motorhead, part Dead Kennedys, all Suicidal.

Beginning with a quote attributed to Greek philosopher Socrates, ‘The New Degeneration’ stomps into the room with bags of attitude, while ‘Living For Life’ begins with Muir gently whispering into your ear before slapping you on the side of the head the moment you begin to trust him. The mid-paced and melodic ‘Get Your Fight On’ sounds like it could have been written for 1988’s How Will I Laugh Tomorrow… (Epic) album, while title track ‘World Gone Mad’ begins with the catchy refrain of “the whole world’s going insane”, and simmers with a barely controlled rage.

Things fall away briefly with ‘Happy Never After’, a purposeful but also fairly forgettable track until halfway through when it suddenly takes off, aided by some of Lombardo’s best work on the record. ‘One Finger Salute’ continues in the same vein but the bass and lead guitar steal the show this time. ‘Damage Control’ is slow but jagged, ‘The Struggle Is Real’ is fast and frantic, and things slow right down for the atmospheric ‘Still Dying To Live’. ‘This World’ rounds things off in a downbeat but not entirely pessimistic manner.

Considering Muir has intimated that this could be the band’s last ever full length release (although there is an EP due next year), World Gone Mad certainly doesn’t feel like a band looking forward to sitting in front of the fireplace with their pipes and slippers. However, if this really does turn out to be the end, then its furious, infectious energy couldn’t be a more fitting swan song for such an iconic and influential crossover band.

8.5/10

GARY ALCOCK