D.O.A. Northern Avenger

One thing that is certain is that if there was a nuclear holocaust of the entire world, the only things that will be left will be the roaches, Cher and luckily Joey Shithead and DOA –this is a band that will thankfully never go away. Another album has just emerged from the band who will take on any issue that stands in their way.

Many of us may have loss count of how many albums they have put out in their career, yet this latest one follows the lineage of recording that DOA fans expect. Northern Avenger represents the band’s 30th anniversary which says a lot for just about anything in life lasting that long. Joining Joey Shithead on this recording is Randy Rampage on bass along with Tom Jones on drums. While some bands try to “reinvent” themselves on every record and some do it with disastrous results, DOA leaves the formula intact and just keeps the trilogy going with new stuff that is cut from the same cloth.

The second track on the record “Golden State” is a musical commentary on how messed up California really is. That song is followed up by a song, “Devil’s Speedway” that will lyrically surprise the listener with the NASCAR references. Of course the album gives up the Ska Punk sound with “Poor Poor Boy” that really breaks the album up in sheer entertainment value like you find on their recordings to keep you off guard. The 15 tracks on Northern Avenger will tackle many relevant issues going on today, just like they did back in 1978 with the song “Disco Sucks.” The entire production is of the caliber that fans expect without question from DOA and this one keeps pace with all the past. Joey’s gravel laced vocals can be heard up front, all backed up with the even mix of guitar, drums and bass. Like was said before, when a band has a formula that works and works well there is no reason to mess with it.

Just like all the band’s previous efforts you just keep playing their records over and over…and this one will be no different. For extra credit, get a hold of Joey Shithead’s book, “I, Shithead: A Life In Punk”, this will be a book that will give you some additional insight into this band and ongoing legacy.

DOA MySpace:  http://www.myspace.com/doapunk

Sudden Death Records:  http://www.suddendeath.com