UMUR
"Return of the Fabulous Metal Bozo Clowns" is the second full-length studio album by UK hardcore/crossover thrash metal act Lawnmower Deth. The album was released through Earache Records in September 1992. It´s the successor to "Ooh Crikey It's... Lawnmower Deth" from September 1990. There´s been one lineup change since the predecessor as guitarist Schizo Rotary Sprintmaster (aka Gavin "Paddy" O'Malley) has been replaced by Baron Kev Von Thresh Meister Silo Stench Chisel Marbels (real name: Kevin Papworth). The remaining members from the lineup who recorded the predecessor are Mightymow Destructimow (bass), Concorde Face Ripper (guitars), Explodin' Dr Jaggers Flymo (drums), and Qualcast Mutilator (lead vocals).
It´s obvious from the names of the band members that Lawnmower Deth are a band focused on the comedic and silly, and in that respect they are in close relation to artists like Gwar and Green Jelly. There are a lot of really silly (even stupid) lyrics on the album, which song titles like "Drunk in Charge of an Ugly Face", "Enter Mr. Formica (Icky Ficky, Part II)", and "Lawnmowers for the Heroes, Comics for Zeroes", are examples of. Other than the closing track "Fookin' Moo Vit", which features what sounds like the band members being really drunk/stoned in the studio performing a twisted guitar/vocal only blues, the remaining 21 tracks on the 51:03 minutes long album are actually relatively varied and interesting. The band´s basis hardcore/crossover sound is often complimented by sections of other music styles, and in that respect the music is almost avant garde (at times). Other times the band play more straight forward hardcore punk/crossover.
"Return of the Fabulous Metal Bozo Clowns" is a relatively well produced release (although slightly on the thin trembly side), and as a comedic hardcore/crossover release, it is overall pretty entertaining. The high level musical performances also enhance the listening experience, and upon conclusion it´s a good quality sophomore studio album by Lawnmower Deth. A 3 - 3.5 star (65%) rating is warranted.