War//Plague: The Rot Thickens
Kia ora,
I used to write a lot about noisy music but I haven’t published anything for the past 18 months. There are reasons for that, but trust me, they are very boring. What’s drawn me back, momentarily, is The Rot Thickens, the latest album from Minneapolis crusties War//Plague. Below you’ll find a few thousand words about The Rot Thickens, but if that sounds like too much data to scroll through (and look, I get it, I know my long-winded style is very much an acquired taste) then here’s the abridged version: The Rot Thickens is a heavyweight knockout. Grab a copy, right now.
Real talk: no one’s keeping tabs on this backwater blog, I remain allergic to all forms of social networking, and I’ll consider myself damn lucky if more than a handful of people read this review. All of that means you’re due an extra special thanks (and double the usual amount of cyber-hugs) for perusing this post.
Alright, I shall scuttle back to my cave now.
Peace, love, and kia kaha.
Life can feel like a heavy weight to bear, and at this point in time, it’s understandable if you’re feeling that weight acutely. It’s existential crisis after existential crisis out there – here’s a brief rundown.
We’re drowning in superficial materialism. Hard-fought progress is being incinerated. Genocidal atrocities abound. Bombs are falling everywhere. Algorithmic surveillance remains unchecked. Moronic rhetoric is rife. And authoritarianism is running rampant. In short, the most poisonous by-products of end-times capitalism are strip-mining our humanity. Oh, and don’t forget all those environmental disasters unfolding outside your door.
Things look bleak, but it’s not all bad news, is it?
If you find some time to breathe and refocus, you’ll appreciate that our lives often feature moments of hope. Maybe that’s the result of spending time with friends, family, or being part of a close-knit community. Or perhaps it’s a stranger's smile that gets you through the week. It could be that sharing raucous music with like-minded enthusiasts is the thing that keeps your motor purring (hi!). Point being: there are beacons that illuminate our gloomiest days.
It’s the same with our favourite bands, right? They, too, are bonfires in the dark. It doesn’t matter how deranged or evil those bands sound. Gentle melodies will certainly soothe our furrowed brows and tickle our tippy-toes. But as devotees of deafening music, we know how cathartic it feels when ear-fucking bands purge our fears and frustrations.
We rightly howl “fuck yeah” when loud music drains the pus and alleviates the pain of existence. We howl “fuck yeah” in solidarity – and camaraderie – and you’ll definitely feel compelled to howl “fuck yeah” when you listen to War//Plague’s latest anthems of defiance.
For the past 17 years, Minneapolis’ War//Plague have been dishing out lessons in resistance, resolve, and genuinely giving a shit. As per, the band’s bulldozing new full-length, The Rot Thickens, burrows into injustices, grievances, and some of our worst behaviours. No question, we’ve all done terrible things, and like any socially-conscious band worth their salt, War//Plague enjoy picking at uncomfortable scabs.
Obviously, punk rock isn’t going to stop any bullets or ameliorate any illnesses, and I’m not suggesting that War//Plague's music is a miracle cure for anything. That said, the band’s tough-as-steel crust is a welcome tonic; something to rub into our unhealed wounds. War//Plague make clear that the alienation and anxiety we all feel are symptoms of a collective dis-ease. You, me, us – we are not alone.
So far, so punk, but here’s the best bit: War//Plague aren’t sitting on a high horse.
A frequent criticism of protest punk is that it involves a lot of self-righteous finger-pointing from sanctimonious bands and hypocritical fans. That’s not an accusation you could hurl at War//Plague, though. Sure, the band tell hard truths, but they aren’t hammering home condemnation from any lofty heights.
Over the course of 13 or so releases, you sense that War//Plague appreciate that we’re all equally capable of inflicting harm, consciously or not. The band’s ‘we’re in this together’ attitude plays a vital role in their music, and, once again, it’s writ large on The Rot Thickens’ anvil-heavy tracks.
As expected, War//Plague’s songs are grim af. But the band’s bone-breaking tunes aren’t just screeds of indignation. The volcanic rage therein is bolstering and energising, and The Rot Thickens’ fist-in-the-air tracks encourage us to push forward and do better, personally and collectively. Like many of crust’s heaviest ensembles, War//Plague pay respect to the vulnerable, the marginalised, and those most at risk of being lost in the storm. Ultimately, though, and I’ve said this many times, War//Plague’s music is a testament to our resilience.
Plenty of spicy socio-political issues fuel War//Plague's creative engine. However, if what I’ve written about the band’s real-world inspirations sounds like too much message, then great news – you don’t have to buy into anything I’ve said thus far.
You can simply hit play on The Rot Thickens and enjoy an obliterating barrage of ten-tonne crust; no one's forcing you to pay attention to the meaning of it all. Use the album as you see fit: to block out the 24-hour stream of harrowing headlines, or to drown out that chorus of ultra-critical voices in your head. Sure, War//Plague’s stentorian oeuvre digs into myriad hot-button issues. But you can use all of the band’s energy and anger to spark or extinguish whatever you want. If all you desire is a head-splitting racket to get you through another humdrum day, War//Plague’s got you covered.
War//Plague are long-lived in subterranean punk rock terms. There’s always a long list of brand-new bands to discover, but many implode or mysteriously disappear after a couple of promising releases. I can’t say I blame any of those bands, either. Making fringe music for a niche audience can be tough, but War//Plague show no sign of battle fatigue. The Rot Thickens is bristling with determination and thundering sonic weaponry. If you're a fan of War//Plague's previous neck-wrecking endeavours – see recommended releases like Manifest Ruination, Into the Depths, Carrion, and more – you can rest assured that the band continue to showcase crust’s core strengths.
It’s no surprise that War//Plague are so good at bringing crust’s forcefulness to the fore, given the band features a lineup of punk rock veterans with links to groups like Provoked, Fear of the Known, and (the sadly cluster-fucked) Tau Cross. The Rot Thickens’ foundations are constructed from old-school breeze block; see the works of Extinction of Mankind, Axegrinder, Antisect, Doom, Deviated Instinct, and Amebix. The infectious accent of Anti Cimex also plays a role, as does d-beat’s punch and pummel. And, like many North American crusties, the echo of Misery (and Profane Existence’s heyday) rings loud.
Obviously, scores of stock-standard crust bands toy with the same influences, and plenty release welcomingly concussive music, too. However, War//Plague offer a point of difference because their sound has continued to evolve. Rather than rest on their laurels, War//Plague have been digging deeper into extreme music’s toolbox on subsequent releases. The group’s earliest music hewed closer to the orthodox stench/crust model (which suits me fine – I’m a steadfast fan of that filthy template). Nowadays, though, War//Plague’s crust also features elements of doom, death metal, and a heap of blistering thrash, all channelled through the lens of super-dark hardcore.
Increasingly beefier production values have matched the expansion in War//Plague’s sound. These days, the band’s saw-toothed music features plenty of familiar motifs for diehard crusties to enjoy. But War//Plague’s work also crosses paths with the likes of Disfear, Wolfbrigade or Martyrdöd – bands who’ve also stepped over sub-genre borders and caught the ear of both metalheads and unwashed punks.
Like War//Plague's previous releases, The Rot Thickens paints a vivid portrait of society in collapse. Crank the volume, and the urgency and percussive power of opening tracks “Reckoning” and “Sacrifice” hit you square in the chest. Guitarist/vocalist Andy Lutz and guitarist/backing vocals Andy Lefton discharge bludgeoning riffs (wrapped in red-lining fury), while drummer Chad Papa and bassist Vern DeFoe drive the band’s songs forward at a crushing velocity.
Armour-plated tracks like “Stench” and “Frost” are brick-throwing bangers, pitch-perfect for today’s cut-throat climate. The visceral tension that haunts today’s streets boils over on “Regurgitate” and “Shallow Grave”, while the initially slower conflagration of “Burn” eventually detonates with explosive savagery.
The Rot Thickens’ final stampeding track, “Decompose”, frames another downbeat scene. But like all the songs here, “Decompose” foregrounds defiance, not defeat. The Rot Thickens’ palpable physicality underscores that War//Plague’s intensity is as robust and reliable as ever. But let’s be honest, not everyone will love The Rot Thickens, because that’s not how music works. One person's livener is always another's poison.
As a longtime fan, it’s easy to pick and choose my favourite aspects of a new War//Plague release. But I’ll slip on my critical cap for some semblance of balance.
Firstly, I’d argue that The Rot Thickens’ rugged metallic aesthetic perfectly suits War//Plague’s hulking demeanour. But some punk voices bemoan such burly endeavours, as if the arrival of thickset riffs – accompanied by heftier production – signals … shock, horror… maturity or … say it ain’t so … actual proficiency.
I get it. I really do. I love lo-fi crust that sounds like it was recorded in an overflowing port-a-potty – yes please, cram that raw shit down my gullet. But there’s plenty of room for more than one strain of crust, right? Admittedly, some crust bands have sullied themselves (and tainted the more polished arc of the sub-genre) by using more commercially friendly bait in the hunt for broader appeal. Witnessing that sometimes feels a little ‘yuck’. But that’s not War//Plague’s jam.
Sure, the band sound colossal, and their volatile songs are über-tight, but they’re also encrusted with plenty of grime and distortion. There’s certainly no hint of selling (anything) out for an extra dime here.
Here is a legit complaint, though: I feel shortchanged. The Rot Thickens features eight new songs, and after waiting 3 years for fresh tracks, I’m left wanting more. Is that too greedy? Because a couple more tracks wouldn’t have gone amiss. Although I suppose arguing for more music isn’t much of a criticism, is it?
It’s also worth pointing out that The Rot Thickens’ grave pronouncements are backed by a relentless onslaught of brutal instrumentation. There’s no breathing room here, and if you’re searching for hijinks or hilarity to lighten the mood, you’ll find none. If stony-faced punk isn’t your vibe (and that’s fine, you do you), then War//Plague’s hard-worn stoicism might feel too solemn. None of that means that War//Plague aren’t fun, though – because pulverising crust is always a blast. You get the point: no giggles, just gut-punching riffs.
The world is awash in hostility and division. Given the ever-changing nature of all those tensions, I don’t know what will happen tomorrow, let alone in the next 60 minutes. One thing is for sure, though: these are challenging and extremely unsteady times. The good news is that The Rot Thickens provides something concrete to hang onto. It offers a secure handhold for those adrift in the current socio-political turmoil. Sure, The Rot Thickens is a violent, refuse/resist riff-fest. Nonetheless, it provides shelter and protection, the hallmarks of any worthy crust release.
Given the state of everything, it makes sense that War//Plague sound so fired up and ready to lob a few incendiary devices. In a world where we exploit limited resources without considering the eventual cost, and where avarice reigns supreme, you don’t have to look far to find things to feel angry about. However, albums like The Rot Thickens are purpose-built to strengthen your resolve while exorcising your pent-up fury. What sits at the heart of The Rot Thickens – and at the heart of War//Plague's enduring mission – is an unwavering sense of truth. Yes, that truth is ugly. And yes, that truth is buried in a maelstrom of gravel-gargling growls and shrieking guitars. But no one reading this will be put off by that.
There’s much to be said about War//Plague’s longevity and the band’s dedication to the cause. Slugging it out in the DIY trenches (for years on end) wouldn’t have been a wholly positive experience. It takes a lot of grit to get through the tough times. As with any long-running group, tensions – creative or otherwise – must have arisen. However, none of that is evident on The Rot Thickens. War//Plague sound 100% united and up for the fight, and I don’t know about you, but I find the band’s continued get-up-and-go downright inspiring – fuck yeah.
I love trad crust as much as the next tinnitus-afflicted hermit. But it’s also great to hear crusty bands trying out different ingredients and searching beyond the sub-genre’s usual frontiers for new flavours and ideas. The Rot Thickens is unquestionably built on crust’s solidest bedrock, but it’s made all the better by War//Plague embracing a host of in-your-face influences from across the cacophonous music spectrum.
The Rot Thickens is heavier than a funeral – and angrier than a cut snake – but more than anything, the album reeks of War//Plague’s uncompromising integrity. In an age where social media fads and fleeting trends often govern a band’s next move, it’s heartening to tune into genuinely authentic music. It’s that authenticity that matters most on The Rot Thickens, too. War//Plague sound extremely pissed off on their latest LP, and I believe them. In a world full of deliberate distractions and endless misinformation, it’s a huge relief to be able to put your faith in something honest and true. Sorry to sound so sincere. But fuck it, them’s the facts.
Here’s to saying you give a shit, and meaning it.
The Rot Thickens is a riot – sigue luchando la buena batalla, compadres.
Coda:
A while back, one of my favourite punk bloggers wrote a review that included a criticism of overlong write-ups like the one above. He argued that lengthy treatises about punk rock records are basically a pseudo-intellectual buzz-kill. That’s a fair opinion to hold. (Although, to be fair to me, I’m no intellectual, pseudo or otherwise.) You do risk draining all the passion from a ferocious release if you drily pick it apart. But I hope I haven’t siphoned all the gas out of War//Plague’s latest vehicle. I just felt enthused, and so I effused.
In truth, I felt inspired to write again because I’m slowly emerging from a months-long health battle. I’m not back to fighting fitness, but I’m well enough to realise how much I’ve missed talking about music. A lot of great releases have propped up my psychological framework over the past months – see Malaise, Vampire, Deathfiend, Excrement, Tàrrega 91', Kaleidoscope, No Sector, Realm of Terror, Destruxion Amerika, Disturd, PissSniffers, and the truly phenomenal releases from Ultimate Disaster and Languid as prime examples of emotionally bolstering noise. In part, I’ve always written about underground music because it’s one of life’s most reliable restoratives, and this is my way of saying thanks for all the therapeutic noise.
I bought my first punk LP 42 years ago – I know, I’m so fucking old – but I still find punk and hardcore thrilling, nourishing, and liberating. I’m not trying to excuse any of the rambling verbiage above – it is what it is, all part of my neuro-divergent charm or more of my signature bullshit, take your pick – but ultimately, my long-windedness reflects my undying obsession with DIY music. I love all of its ins, outs, minutiae, and subtleties. And I love its ups, downs, dramas, and esprit de corps.
I also love reading short/sharp/snappy blurbs about new music (and maybe, one day, someone will grant me space to write a few again).
For now, no apologies. I went long because War//Plague – and many other bands of their ilk – deserve it.
All hail the noise-makers and rabble-rousers.
Take care. Be well. Thanks again for stopping by.
Ngā mihi
