UMUR
"Monk-Punk" is the debut full-length studio album by Finnish, Helsinki based heavy rock/metal act Waltari. The album was released through Stupido Twins Records in October 1991. Waltari formed in 1986 and released a couple of EPs and a single before recording and releasing "Monk-Punk".
The odd album title proves to be an apt title as only very shortly into "Monk-Punk", the listener must give up labelling the music on the album with anything meaningful. Waltari play a very eclectic blend of various rock, funk, and metal styles, spiced up with the occasional nod towards punk. It´s all delivered by a highly skilled and very energetic band, who arguably understand how to write an entertaining and uplifting tune. Their cover of "Help" by The Beatles, is a good example of the high spirits of the music (as are tracks like "Rap Your Body Beat" and "I Was Born in the Wrong Decade"), but "Monk-Punk" is generally a fun and idiosyncratic listen and is sure to put a smile on the faces of most listeners.
This is not silly parody music or something like that though, and Waltari are incredibly skilled musicians and composers, so there is a high level of professionalism surrounding "Monk-Punk". In addition to that the album features a clear, powerful, and very well sounding production job, which further enhances the listening experience. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.