Apocalypse Dudes is the fourth album by the Norwegian band Turbonegro. It was released on February 23, 1998, and is the first studio album to feature lead guitarist Euroboy and drummer Chris Summers, and the last release before the band disbanded in December 1998.

The album saw the band move towards a more glam rock-oriented sound mixed with punk and proved to be a breakthrough record for the underground band. It is the first part of the Apocalypse Trilogy, consisting of Apocalypse Dudes (1998), Scandinavian Leather (2003) and Party Animals (2005). The snake on the cover art is taken from the American militant far-left organization Symbionese Liberation Army's banner/flag.

Production

Following the addition of Euroboy and the 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. After extensive touring in support of their previous album, Ass Cobra, the band entered Endless Sound studio in late 1997. The band originally planned to release an EP consisting of the songs "Get It On", "Zillion Dollar Sadist" and a cover of David Bowie's "Suffragette City", but as they wrote more songs, they decided to record an album instead. Hank von Helvete struggled with heroin addiction during the recording process and almost quit the band. The vocals for "Are You Ready (For Some Darkness)" took several days to record due to his poor health.

Upon release, Moshable magazine commented, "Apocalypse Dudes is the perfect mix of classic 70's US punk / rock'n'roll like The Dictators, The Heartbreakers & The Ramones... every tune on this release is fucking brilliant." Jello Biafra of Dead Kennedys was quoted as saying, "The new Turbonegro record is possibly the most important European record ever."

The original Boomba Records announcement from April 1998 states, "This my friends, is a virtually perfect record! Excellent production - a huge, FAT sound; lots of power and excellent songs that you can't get out of your head. Not one let down through 47 minutes of music!! This is not an underground tip!! 'Apocalypse Dudes' appeals to the masses. From punk to metal to mainstream, "Apocalypse Dudes" has something for everyone."

Pitchfork rated Apocalypse Dudes 8.6 out of 10. while Punk News rated it four and a half stars out of five.

  • The song "Prince of the Rodeo" featured in MTV's Jackass.
  • The track "Age of Pamparius" was used as the opening theme of the Jackass spin-off Wildboyz.
  • The album is listed in 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.
  • The song "Get It On" featured in the third season of the TV series Sons of Anarchy.
  • The track "Back to Dungaree High" was used in the movie The Worst Person in the World.

Track listing

Personnel

Turbonegro

  • Hank von Helvete (Hans Erik Dyvik Husby) – vocals
  • Euroboy (Knut Schreiner) – lead guitar
  • Rune Rebellion (Rune Grønn) – rhythm guitar
  • Pål Pot Pamparius (Pål Bøttger Kjærnes) – keyboards, percussion
  • Happy-Tom (Thomas Seltzer) – bass
  • Chris Summers (Christer Engen) – drums

Additional personnel

  • Pål Klaastad – producer, engineer
  • Christian A. Calmeyer – engineer (additional)
  • Christa Brüggemann – lacquer cutting
  • Dimitri 'from Oslo' Kayiambakis – artwork
  • Marco Finger – photography
  • Martin Anderson – photography
  • Stian Andersen – photography

References