Graf Orlock Return with Apocalyptic Grindcore Banger “Dead Out of the Sun”
Movie obsessed grindcore outfit Graf Orlock have long been a favorite of the degenerates that run MetalSucks over the years, so who am I to buck tradition? After listening to their new single “Dead Out of the Sun” from their upcoming EP End Credits, which you can check out below, I can honestly say this — if you don’t have these guys on your radar after hearing this one, you’re missing out.
Formed roughly 20 years ago in Los Angeles’ city limits, Graf Orlock was the brainchild of Jason Schmidt and Alan Hunter. Wanting to throw a middle finger to the melodic metal that was running shit at the time, the duo ultimately came up with the acerbic and caustic combination that would result in five full-length albums, seven EPs, and tour dates in more than 40 countries.
Designated as the band’s swan song, End Credits boasts five absolutely skull-crushingly fast and heavy songs that once again draw from their favorite source of inspiration: films. Using samples from various flicks, the band said their last release fittingly focuses on the end of days.
“This record specifically focuses on the apocalypse. Given it will be the last release, it looks like a script that has caught on fire. Songs/films covered in this are Snowpiercer, Children Of Men, Mad Max, Dredd, and Waterworld. Although there seems like a proliferation of post-apocalypse or dystopian films in light of the last couple of years, all of these songs/films/lyrics predate COVID. On top of that, in the style of how the songs/lyrics are put together, typical Jason and Kyle are representing different characters in any given script, transferred into song lyrics.”
As it turns out, “Dead out of the Sun” features a quote straight out of the 1995 classic Waterworld, which considering their focus on the end of the world, makes sense given the ongoing climate crisis and melting of the polar ice caps.
…Though maybe I’m reading a bit too much into it…
Either way, the track below absolutely fucking kills it. It’s a raw and vitriolic 134 seconds of pure fury that helps signify not just the end of the world, but the band’s finale as well — at least in terms official record releases.
End Credits is set for release on June 23 via the band’s own record label Vitriol Records, though you can preorder your own copy today. You can find their upcoming shows listed below.
Graf Orlock, End Credits EP:
- Mega City Blues
- Dead Out of the Sun
- Those Bastards in the Front Sections
- Unloading an Unwanted Passenger
- In the Court of the Crimson King
Upcoming shows:
July 22 – Los Angeles, CA @ Slipper Clutch
Sept 16 – NY, NY @ Saint Vitus
Dec 16 – Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction
