The Blood of Gods cover

The Blood of Gods

Gwar · 2017

55 min · 12 tracks · thrash metal

A chaotic blend of thrash metal and theatrical shock rock that delivers a relentless auditory assault with biting social commentary.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    War on GWAR — The album opener sets the tone with its frenetic energy and serves as a meta-commentary on the band's legacy and struggles, making it a fitting introduction.
  • →
    Viking Death Machine — This track highlights Gwar's signature humor and over-the-top imagery, pairing catchy riffs with absurd storytelling that exemplifies their theatricality.
  • →
    Fuck This Place — An anthem of discontent, this song encapsulates the band's rebellious spirit and critiques societal norms, wrapped in heavy instrumentation and visceral lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

62 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic thrash with theatrical elements, showcasing strong production and distinct lyrical themes.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast tempo, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter part.
  • Each song features multiple tempo changes, often shifting from aggressive thrash sections to slower, more melodic interludes.
  • The lyrics are delivered with a theatrical flair, often incorporating humor and social commentary that aligns with the band's shock rock aesthetic.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with chaotic peaks
  • theatrical storytelling with absurdity
  • high-energy anthems for release
  • cathartic expressions of rebellion

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer calm and steady sounds
  • seek straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 1, 2017, The Blood of Gods is Gwar's first studio album after the death of their longtime frontman, Dave Brockie, also known as Oderus Urungus. This marked a significant moment in the band's history as they navigated the transition to a new lineup while maintaining their signature satirical style and elaborate stage presence.
Stylistic neighbors
Municipal Waste· Ludichrist· Exodus

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • I'll Be Your Monster

    The bridge introduces a shift from playful to menacing imagery, where the narrative voice directly invites complicity in monstrous acts.

    This pivot challenges listeners by blurring the lines between victim and perpetrator, deepening the song's exploration of identity and fear.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 War on GWAR 7:21
  • 2 Viking Death Machine 4:15
  • 3 El Presidente 4:21
  • 4 I'll Be Your Monster 3:09
  • 5 Auroch 4:05
  • 6 Swarm 4:33
  • 7 The Sordid Soliloquy of Sawborg Destructo 4:07
  • 8 Death to Dickie Duncan 3:39
  • 9 Crushed by the Cross 3:57
  • 10 Fuck This Place 5:08
  • 11 Phantom Limb 6:10
  • 12 If You Want Blood (You Got It) 5:05

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata