Demonology

"Demons" mouthpiece Mathias Carlsson makes the intent of Demonology clear in his no-bullsh*t liner notes. "This compilation...is not an attempt to, for nostalgic reasons, make a collection to showcase a band's development or accomplishments over a number of years. F*ck that! Not interesting." Instead, "Demons" have grabbed 16 tracks from their often hard to find recorded past, remastered the lot, and made the remarkably cohesive result the Swedish outfit's third outing for Gearhead. Comparable to countrymen like the Robots or stateside kindred spirits New Bomb Turks, "Demons" tear at their material with garage rock abandon and boogie, but slick it back with punk revivalist aggression. "Lost Dog" and the snotty "What's This S**t Called Love" are in the wake of England's first punk wave, while the short but sweet "Beat On Me" and "Run Me Over" give the requisite props to the Stooges. (Check the awesome right-channel guitar solo on the latter.) It's also interesting to note the Misfits influence in "Riding on the Hearse," the unreleased "Luney Tune," or "Electrocute," which all date from "Demons"' mid-'90s genesis. Demonology is obviously a great resource for fans, with its mixture of gems that are out of print or never appeared before. But any supporter of the throwback garage punk aesthetic — not to mention Gearfest attendees — should also find plenty to shake a fist at here. Recommended.