I know several GWAR fans. They are amongst the most devoted, if slightly unhinged, music fans in the universe. Travelling great lengths to see the band, there is a bond between the musicians who populate the Slave Pit Inc collective and those who spend most of their time covered in various liquid offerings during live shows. An experience that must be done once in your lifetime for sure, being blooded in the front row of a GWAR show is quite a shock.
GWAR – Beyond Hell
Release Date: 25 September 2026
Words: Paul Hutchings
But on record? In a world of so much music, I have never quite understood why you would devote much time to listening to what is, in essence, rabble-rousing punk rock that does not seem to have progressed in quality since those early days when the band spewed forth from their alien shores.
Having said that, I reviewed 2022’s The Dark Ages and found it enjoyable enough, although I can honestly say I have not returned to it. But with the 20th anniversary re-release of tenth album Beyond Hell, I thought I would dip back into the bloodied waters for another listen.
Available for the first time ever on vinyl, Beyond Hell has been remastered by Paul Logus (Anthrax, KSE) and does sound crisp and clean, whilst retaining some of the muck that lurks under the fingernails.
With the inclusion of the previously unreleased outro track from the original sessions, this album was originally produced by Devin Townsend, who no doubt helped in shaping the direction.
A concept album, it is a rock opera which describes the band’s journey to Hell as they escape from the armies of humanity and their battle with the Devil. This extract from GWAR.Net explains further.
“[Beyond Hell] concerns Gwar’s epic journey into the tunnels and caverns that honeycomb your world, a journey not only to escape their earthly prison ‘from within’, but also to find and confront this so-called “Satan“, who seems to think that he is a bigger bad ass than Oderus.
“Along the way, Gwar encounter a bevvy of demonic dickheads and hapless victims, all ready to die for your entertainment because they’re all a bunch of assholes.”
There are some interesting bits in a story that is chaotic from start to finish. Tormentor features some searing lead work, and bizarre harmonies of Devin which contrast to the usually rugged delivery of Dave Brockie (Oderus Urungus – RIP).
I Love The Pigs does not need much description, although it does reference a corrupt policeman who serves as Hell’s resident cop. Eighth Lock sees the band enter the prison in Hell, which houses some of the nastiest, a scene on previous tours where the baddies are released to fight GWAR.
The music is rudimentary at times, but I think that is part of the charm of GWAR. They have never proclaimed to be anything incredible, but they bring their own style and sound, which appeals to many.
There are a couple which are particularly enjoyable. The One That Will Not Be Named has some chunky riffs and is the conclusion of the story as Satan (Jewcifer) fights GWAR to the death. Back In Crack sees the band receive a 9-ton crack boulder from manager Sleazy P Martini and, with it, some of the finest guitar work on the album.
A quick message to one of the fans I know revealed that Beyond Hell is not a fan favourite. I was quite surprised by this, as GWAR fans love a concept and a story.
It may be that this album is just a little disjointed and does not flow as well as previous releases. But as you read more about the ludicrous story, Beyond Hell does at least allow you more appreciation of the crazy world these guys inhabit.
It is not a brilliant album, with the cover of Schools Out at the end adding little. But underneath it all, you can appreciate that for over 40 years GWAR has provided many hours of joy for their fans, and that allows some flex.
GWAR release the 25th Anniversary edition of Beyond Hell on 25 September 2026. For more details, visit lnk.to/GWAR_beyondhell.
