Apocalypse Dudes

Apocalypse Dudes is the fourth album from Norwegian band Turbonegro. It is the first studio album to feature lead guitarist Euroboy and the last album before the band disbanded in December 1998. Released in early 1998 in Norway and Germany, the album was a huge success for the then underground band.

Adapting a more glam-rock oriented sound, Apocalypse Dudes set the standard for future Turbonegro records and became the first part of the Apocalypse trilogy, consisting of Apocalypse Dudes (1998), Scandinavian Leather (2003) and Party Animals (2005).

Production

Following the addition of guitarist Euroboy and drummer Chris Summers, Turbonegro had adapted a new sound with the release of their Prince of the Rodeo single, gradually moving from punk rock to glam rock. The band retreated to the studio in late 1997, after extensive touring.

While its predecessor Ass Cobra was an all-out punk rock record, Apocalypse Dudes adds a more produced, rock-oriented sound characterized by a wall of guitars and blistering solos. "The Age of Pamparius" stars out with an ascending guitar solo over piano and acoustic guitar, reminiscent of Alice Cooper, before fading into a myriad of synth noises and a whispering voice introducing the album. A plucked guitar riff is then played before the song erupts into fast-paced glam rock. "Get it On" is introduced by thundering drums and a gitar-riff in the style of The Dictators. "Rock Against Ass" and "Don't Say Motherfucker, Motherfucker" contains elements of pop rock. "Prince of the Rodeo" features conga drums while "Humiliation Street" is a dark ballad, ending with an extended guitar solo. The album's final song, "Good Head", is a cover of Schreiner and Seltzer's earlier garage rock band, The Vikings.