Molten Lager cover

Molten Lager

The Damned · 1999

49 min · 16 tracks · new wave

A dynamic blend of punk energy and new wave melodies, layered with gothic undertones and sharp lyrical wit.

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Top tracks — play these first

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    Testify Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious energy and sharp commentary on modern life, encapsulating the band's punk ethos.
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    Running Man — With its driving beat and introspective lyrics, this song captures a sense of urgency and existential reflection that resonates throughout the album.
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    Love Song — A reworking of one of their iconic hits, this version brings fresh instrumentation and depth to a classic, showcasing the band's evolution over time.
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    Heaven... Can Take Your Lies — The track blends dark melodic elements with poignant lyrics about deception and disillusionment, highlighting The Damned's signature gothic rock influences.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic flow with varied intensity
  • short bursts of high energy
  • engaging sing-along moments
  • pulsating rhythms for movement
  • rousing anthems for group settings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slow, sounds
  • seek lengthy, immersive experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Represents The Damned's return after a hiatus, showcasing ongoing creativity.
Themes
late 90s punk revival· political disillusionment· disco-infused rebellion
Career context
Released in 1999, 'Molten Lager' marked The Damned's return after a six-year hiatus since their last studio album, 'Not of This Earth'. This period saw the band navigating a changing music landscape, as they experimented with their sound while still retaining their punk roots. The album was part of their effort to reconnect with fans and reestablish their place in the evolving rock scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Siouxsie and the Banshees· The Cure· Bauhaus
New to The Damned? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 Testify Start here 3:52
  • 2 Shut It 2:47
  • 3 Shadow to Fall 3:47
  • 4 I Need a Life 3:11
  • 5 Running Man 4:05
  • 6 Not of This Earth 2:54
  • 7 Heaven... Can Take Your Lies 4:13
  • 8 My Desire 2:50
  • 9 Never Could Believe 4:40
  • 10 Love Song 2:13
  • 11 Disco Man 2:46
  • 12 Neat Neat Neat 2:20
  • 13 Ignite 3:49
  • 14 Gun Fury 3:02
  • 15 I Must Be Mad 0:26
  • 16 Nasty 2:38

What to play next

Grave Disorder
Listen next

Grave Disorder

2001

Continues the blend of punk and gothic elements with evolved soundscapes.
Not of This Earth
Go back to

Not of This Earth

1996

Sets the stage with a similar energy and thematic exploration.
Full The Damned discography Where to start with The Damned Artists like The Damned
gothic rock new wave post-punk

If this landed

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Floodland

Floodland

The Sisters of Mercy

Shares gothic overtones and anthemic choruses, blending punk roots with a darker atmospheric sound.

The Fragile

The Fragile

Nine Inch Nails

Explores political disillusionment with a raw energy and industrial textures, paralleling late 90s angst.

Without You I'm Nothing

Without You I'm Nothing

Placebo

Combines punk-infused melodies with a sense of rebellion and emotional depth reflective of the era's turmoil.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata