For the past decade or so, Goatwhore has been one band that you can count on to put out quality release after quality release. The quartet’s latest LP is yet another um, merciless, entry in its oeuvre. So to celebrate both the recent release of Constricting Rage of the Merciless and the start of the NOLA natives’ run alongside Morbid Angel, Dying Fetus and others on this year’s Summer Slaughter tour, drummer Zack Simmons passed along five tracks that everyone should spin. Given his first name, it’s not surprising he has pretty good taste.
Pick up a copy of Goatwhore’s new record here and catch them on tour on the dates below.
Carnivore’s “Angry Neurotic Catholics” (from 1987’s Retaliation)
It’s hard to pick just one song off this record, but this track fucking destroys. It’s got it all: breakneck riffs, genius lyrics and excellent production. Straight and to the point. No fuckery.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEarld5TVTo
Mercyful Fate’s “The Oath” (from 1984’s Don’t Break The Oath)
I remember the first time I heard this song. I was probably about 12 years old and it scared the living shit out of me. I still get goosebumps and that exact feeling to this day. If you want to spook your parents or girlfriend, give this a spin!
Basil Poledouris’s “Anvil Of Crom” (from 1982’s Conan The Barbarian OST)
People use the word “epic” a lot to describe music these days. This song would be my definition of the term. Perfect soundtrack to a perfect film. The ties between this and metal music are undeniable.
Scorpions’ “We’ll Burn The Sky” (from 1977’s Taken By Force)
One of my favorite Scorps songs. The lyrics are actually a poem Jimi Hendrix’s girlfriend wrote for him after he died. This was the last record Uli Jon Roth played on. I saw him live about a year ago and it was the loudest show I’ve ever attended! Painfully awesome!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iphAa0PiCbI
Def Leppard’s “Let It Go” (from 1981’s High ‘n’ Dry)
Say what you will. This is pure rock and roll! If this doesn’t make you bang your head and crack a beer, then I feel sorry for you! Listen to those damn riffs!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCjyoWda5Qo
*Photo by Peter Beste
**Pick up a copy of Constricting Rage of the Merciless here
***Goatwhore US tour dates (all dates are Summer Slaughter gigs with the exception of Richmond):
7/17/2014 The Regency Ballroom – San Francisco, CA
7/18/2014 The Observatory – Santa Ana, CA
7/19/2014 House of Blues – West Hollywood, CA
7/20/2014 Nile Theater – Phoenix, AZ
7/21/2014 Tricky Falls – El Paso, TX
7/22/2014 Sunshine Theater – Albuquerque, NM
7/23/2014 Summit – Denver, CO
7/25/2014 House Of Blues – Houston, TX
7/26/2014 Scoot Inn – Austin, TX
7/27/2014 Gas Monkey – Dallas, TX
7/29/2014 State Theater St. – Petersburg, FL
7/30/2014 The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
7/31/2014 The International – Knoxville, TN
8/01/2014 Agora Theatre – Cleveland, OH
8/02/2014 Mojoes – Chicago, IL
8/03/2014 Skyway Theatre – Minneapolis, MN
8/05/2014 The Rave – Milwaukee, WI
8/06/2014 Crofoot Ballroom – Detroit, MI
8/07/2014 Rapids Theatre – Niagara Falls, NY
8/08/2014 Irving Plaza – New York, NY
8/09/2014 The Palladium – Worcester, MA
8/10/2014 The Trocadero – Philadelphia, PA
8/16/2014 Gwar B-Q @ Hadad’s Lake – Richmond, VA
****For past Decibrity entries, click here
