Album Review: Bazooka Troopaz – Scandinavian Head Splitter (Self Released)

Bazooka Troopaz, the thrash/crossover metal band from Trondheim, Norway, is set to release their second album, ‘Scandinavian Head Splitter’, on December 13, 2024.

There are several rules that all listeners need to obey when it comes to a Bazooka Troopaz release. Rule number one – don’t take this band too seriously. They’re having fun, and you will too, provided you go in with the right mindset. Rule number two – it’s thrash, so head banging is required. Rule number three – grab a beer, it’s time to get on it.

Kicking off in vigorous and anthemic style, albeit from a raw and intense thrash angle, Bazooka Troopaz set a high bar with the delightful excitability of the title track. They certainly know how to tick all the thrash metal boxes and take us into even more old-school sweaty and grubby locales with the garish Kneel at the Altar. Before the smile-inducing ferocity of Tank Abbot Diet arrives with plenty of intensity.

It’s rollicking good fun, but don’t let that fool you into thinking Bazooka Troopaz are a joke band. They’re talented and do an impressive job of keeping the listener engaged as the album goes on. First, with the punk-infused White Russian Leg Sweep, then, with the manic silliness of Saving Whales Doesn’t Sell Albums (Leather Pants Do). Two different, but equally, enjoyable listens.

Another highlight is The Booze Hounds of Hades, and here, Bazooka Troopaz deliver thumping thrash heaviness with a chorus that every headbanger will find themselves shouting along to. The album has a ton of screaming guitar solos, but the one in this track might be the best.

Keeping the record short and sharp, the rest of the album blazes by in a blur of frenzied riffing, crunching drumbeats, and aggressive vocals. The Fiercest of Warriors (In the Northern Hemisphere), Zookafied, Blazkowicz, and Party Guerrilla Warfare do not disappoint, as long as you’re not expecting anything game changing.

It’s simple really, Bazooka Troopaz promise tongue in cheek thrashiness and that is what they deliver. Wrapping up the record with one last bout of extreme head banging noise called Stay of Execution. Who enjoyed themselves all the way through? That’s right, everyone did.

Bazooka Troopaz – Scandinavian Head Splitter Track Listing:

1. Scandinavian Head Splitter
2. Kneel at the Altar
3. Tank Abbot Diet
4. White Russian Leg Sweep
5. Saving Whales Doesn’t Sell Albums (Leather Pants Do)
6. The Booze Hounds of Hades
7. The Fiercest of Warriors (In the Northern Hemisphere)
8. Zookafied
9. Blazkowicz
10. Party Guerrilla Warfare
11. Stay of Execution

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