Album Review: Evil Scarecrow – Chapter IV: Antartarctica (Dead Box Records)

Having proven themselves to be more then just a comedy band, Evil Scarecrow are one of metals most cherished DIY bands having carved out an impressive career while remaining unsigned. It has been five years roughly since their last release (Galactic Hunt – read our review here) but everyone’s favourite party band are back with their fourth album, Chapter IV: Antartarctica out on September 28th 2018.

How do describe Evil Scarecrow to someone who has never heard them before? Fun, silly but with catchy and heavy-ass music. Mashing up genres that include traditional heavy metal, black metal and out and out rock, the end result is always a bright listen and Chapter IV: Antartarctica is no different. In fact, this might be the best album the UK metallers have released to date.

Years of experience both in the studio and on the road seems to have refined Evil Scarecrow resulting in a more defined set of tracks. It’s still quintessentially Evil Scarecrow but the sound of a band having grown.

A roaring call to arms with Skulls of our Enemies is one for fans to really get behind immediately with many a fist in the air shouting along.

“fight to live, live to fight”

Red Riding Hood, Way to Die and The Magician then show that it wasn’t a fluke start with a triple header of thrilling, catchy and crushing tunes. The latter’s gothic tone, thumping rhythm and hyper guitar solo makes it one of the album’s best songs.

One of the things Evil Scarecrow don’t seem to get enough credit for is their story-telling ability. Tracks tell tales often within the lyrical content and Gus, Zag and the Turnip King is a great example of this.

Hurricanado has been out for nearly two years so fans have had plenty of time to get to know it and time has only strengthened it. A wild and more ‘traditional’ Evil Scarecrow song, it’s a great tongue-in-cheek metal track. As is the second single, Polterghost except this one has a chorus you’ll be humming for days afterwards!

Just when you think you’ve seen everything Evil Scarecrow have to offer they throw an absolute curveball out there with a sweet as sugar ballad about guitarist Brother Pain.

“Brother Pain, why did you go to Antartarctica? The coldest place on Earth is no place for a monk.”

Unbelievably brilliant. A sure-fire live hit. Listening to it, you can hear the sing-along now and the guitar solo is a ‘lighters out’ moment if there ever was one.

It then leads into the final track of the album. The title track comes in at 10 minutes and is confirmation of just how far this band has come since Galactic Hunt. Everything good about Evil Scarecrow is in this track from crushing heavy black metal to gothic melodies and haunting vocals to the wacky speedier rhythms many associate with the band. It’s a ambitious finale, one that is thrilling to listen too.

This is a big moment for Evil Scarecrow. Chapter IV: Antartarctica is the best stuff they’ve done but also shows some serious development as a band all while staying true to their roots. Both new and old fans will really enjoy this release.

Evil Scarecrow – Chapter IV: Antartarctica Full Track Listing:

1. Skulls of our Enemies
2. Red Riding Hood
3. Way to Die
4. The Magician
5. Hurricanado
6. Gus, Zag and the Turnip King
7. Polterghost
8. Cosmos Goth Moth Gong
9. The Ballad of Brother Pain
10. Antartarctica

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The band have also been working on a special Digipack and Vinyl releases for those who like something a bit more special. You can pre-order these from their new Pledge campaign here.

Evil Scarecrow will be out on tour throughout the UK at end of 2018 and the beginning of 2019. Check out the tour dates below:

LOST IN ANTARTARCTICA TOUR:

Saturday 6th October 2018 – ROCK CITY, Nottingham
Thursday 11th October 2018 – The Marble Factory, Bristol
Friday 12th October 2018 – Manchester Academy
Saturday 13th October 2018 – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
Thursday 18th October 2018 – Fibbers: Live Music Venue, York
Friday 19th October 2018 – G2, The Garage, Glasgow
Saturday 20th October 2018 – Plug 2, Sheffield
Thursday 25th October 2018 – The Sugarmill, Stoke On Trent
Friday 26th October 2018 – The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton
Saturday 27th October 2018 – The Craufurd Arms (Live Music Venue), Milton Keynes

2019

Saturday 5th January 2019 – The Yardbirds, Grimsby
Thursday 24th January 2019 – Engine Rooms Southampton
Friday 25th January 2019 – Tunbridge Wells Forum
Saturday 26th January 2019 – Electric Ballroom, London
Thursday 31st January 2019 – The Tivoli, Buckley
Friday 1st February 2019 – Voodoo Belfast
Saturday 2nd February 2019 – On The Rox, Dublin

The album will be available via all major streaming services and sites but you can keep up to date with Evil Scarecrow news by checking out their website, Facebook Page and following them on Twitter.