Ravagers’ ascension was not without its mishaps and misfortunes. Finding a second guitarist was a challenge, set back by life’s little hurdles (girlfriends, suicide, etc.) until long-time friend and former Biters guitarist Matt Gabs filled the void. Together, he and band leader/lyricist/vocalist Alex Hagen carved out the sadistic, sardonic and supremely catchy “Drowning in Blood” single in 2018, b/w “Suzi (Has an Uzi).” This brief tease of new material baited fans throughout their blitzkrieg of gigs, all the while singing songs of recklessness and apocalyptic pop until Covid-19 turned the world into exactly that.
Making the most of a shit situation, the band headed South to write and record their first full-length LP, Badlands due in 2022 with production/engineer duo Tuk Smith (Biters, Tuk Smith & The Restless Hearts) and Dan Dixon (PLS PLS) at the helm. The result is 10 of the groups strongest tracks yet, an auditory onslaught of filth and fun, of catchiness and catastrophe.
The album’s first single, “Nasty Night” is layered with guitars and Stooges-esque pianos that give the listener a real bad feeling, and it feels real good. Tracks like “White Widow” and “Shake the Reaper” have the hooks and harmonies of the strongest Turbonegro tracks with the arena-filling riffs of Blue Oyster Cult or Alice Cooper… más
Only on blue vinyl, comes with beautiful poster/lyric sheet too!
Hagen: Vocals, Guitar
Gabs: Lead Guitar
Curt: Bass, Backing Vocals
Ray: Drums
Tuk: Keyboard, Backing Vocals
Produced by Tuk Smith
Mixed, Mastered, Engineered by Dan Dixon
Tracklist:
1. Down That Road *Underground Garage Coolest Song In The World
2. White Widow
3. Trespasser
4. Sick House
5. Shake The Reaper
6. Nasty Night
7. Black Out
8. High On Stress
9. Losing My Grip
10. So Long…
