Review by Josh Felty
Rating: ***
In the world of hardcore horror punk rock, a few prominent names come to mind. Particularly Type O Negative. But then again, genres are annoying yet convenient methods for the recording industry to market and distribute a group's artistry. The Other, makeup and all, are just such an industry atrocity--they could easily be lumped into horror punk, but with their German roots are something else entirely. Their latest offering, New Blood, is an intriguing collection of tracks that are dizzying and dark on all fronts. With song titles "Transylvania", "Ghost Ride to Hell", and "The Burial" (itself a harrowing punkstravaganza) this album bestows a healthy helping of haunts upon the universe at large. All sung in English with the exception of "Hier Kommit der Dunkelheit", New Blood is a record from a band that thankfully does not take itself too seriously. Imagine early Misfits meets White Zombie (in some ways) with more Danzig or Type O leanings than anything else. There, I did it again. Now go listen. Can't you hear this whole thing playing in some haunted house walk-through in late October? From the Elfman-esque opener to "Lovesick Mind" on through to "We All Bleed Red, there are more references to the occult and creatures of the night than previously thought possible. I know this is a horror site and we handle horror reviews of nearly all media, but The Other are the posterband for That Which Goes Bump in the Night, my friends. Consider yourself warned, kiddos. I really appreciated the punk aesthetics and the horror theme aspects throughout--this is a horror punk group, after all. What were you expecting? Bubble-gum pop?