I don’t think there’s any doubt that we’re living in a new golden age of novelty bands. Gygax, Tartar Control, The Droogettes, Galactic Empire, Mac Sabbath, and of course Nekrogoblikon, are just the first few to come to mind. Twenty years ago, bands would attempt to appeal punk, metal and alternative fans all at once. Now we have bands that are content to target groups as small as D&D players, backsliding Mormons, Clockwork Orange fans, Star Wars nerds, fast food aficionados and goblin supporters(?)!

Maybe it’s a sad commentary on the state of the modern music industry. Maybe it’s just an attempt by desperate bands to separate themselves from a glut of other worthy groups. Either way, I’m enjoying the hell out of it. You probably are too if you’re not taking it too seriously. The one thing all the previously mentioned bands have in common is that they’re all good. They all have the songs and chops to back up the silliness. By now, you might be asking what the point is of all this. There’s no point really. It’s just something that’s been on my mind lately.

Anyway, Nekrogoblikon is a melodic death metal band from LA. The quintet also has a goblin hype man that adds a visual element and a sense of fun to their videos and live shows. Welcome to Bonkers is their 4th full length, and it’s good. Really good. It’s an album that’s likely to win the band quite a few fans beyond the extreme metal crowd. At their best, Nekrogoblikon combines the theatrics of early Alice Cooper with the thrash heaviness of Overkill. There are also these cool circus-like keyboard licks that provide a nice counterpoint to the choppy metal riffs. I must warn you, the vocals on the heavier songs can be pretty harsh and might be a deal breaker for some people.

All the songs on Welcome to Bonkers are solid, but there are a handful of standouts. Opener “Mold” is among the album’s catchiest songs. It also foreshadows “The Magic Spider”, which might be the best song on the record. On the heavier side of things, “Dressed as Goblins” and “Dragons” set the standard. Closer “Goblins” is an epic, and unfolds like a mini rock opera. It also confirms the bands commitment to the whole goblin theme. Nekrogoblikon’s wicked sense of humor is on full display across all eleven of these inspired tracks.

Some of you are going to hate this. It’s definitely gimmicky and it’s definitely metal. Some of you are even going to think that I’m an asshole for liking this, but you should give Nekrogoblikon a chance. Check out the videos for “No One Survives” or “Dressed as Goblins”. If they don’t at least make you chuckle, you probably need to loosen up.