Seeing this release was almost baffling at first sight. After doing some research, I confirmed that yes, this is indeed the same Ghoul that released Splatterthrash and Maniaxe, just to name their two most prolific releases (at least as far as I know. I’m still studying). The innocuous logo that hearkens more towards a sitcom title graphic and the fact that the release is entitled Intermediate Level Hard-Core (Tankcrimes) nearly threw me for a loop, but all I’ll say to rationalise it is consistency’s the work of the devil. They can do whatever they want, as long as they keep it weird.
This here is a collection of covers by bands that I haven’t heard of prior aside from GWAR (obv.) and Dayglo Abortions (slightly less obv.), so calling it Intermediate level is a fair assessment of the obscurity they present here. While keeping it goofy and abrasive like the blunt end of a hatchet to the face, Ghoul also show their appreciation for the music they were brought up on. GWAR was an obvious choice, seeing as their shock-rock-made-metal antics including elaborate live performances with lots of fake blood spewing everywhere were not a creation of their own. The less obvious choices, though still apparent in their sound, include a deep-seated love for hardcore punk in all of its no fucks given glory. Barreling along at d-beat speeds while giving the vocals a slimy, gutsy metal feeling and perverting ‘Proud To Be Canadian’ into ‘Proud To Be Creepsylvanian’ is a great way not only to introduce wider audiences to bands that otherwise go unsung except in the molten core of the underground, but also open Ghoul up to becoming even more radioactively charming in our twisted minds. And knowing that they’ve done covers of ‘What A Wonderful World’ and ‘Kids In America’, but turned them into a comically hellish vision in the past, I’m eagerly anticipating more like it on the next full-length. But a handful of original tunes would be nice too.
The Verdict: More fake gore
9.5/10
Sean Pierre-Antoine