The Beast of (1994-2008)

Ghoulunatics have, for sure, had their ups and downs amongst their albums, yet their "Best of 1994-2008" really encompasses some of their grooviest and heaviest songs of all.

Beginning with a song off of Ghoulunatics, "Cryptogénie", Engrenage starts this album off with great energy. Having a constant and fast beat to it, one can easily see that this band hasn't lost their touch over time. Going back a few years to 2001, they bring up a couple a songs that for some have been long forgotten. With Vincent Price starting off the song "King of the Undead", they really manage to get that eery feel across to their listeners. One may notice how this band's love for old horror flicks is quite prominent; by the 5th track off this album we find another reference to a horror classic in the song "Nature Morte" off of their 1996 album, Mystralengine. This song is a bit more generic with more breakdowns and less creative riffs than other songs off this album, however it manages to keep the horror theme going and may offer some satisfaction to those of whom such music pleases.

As soon as track 5 is over, your attention is pulled into a complete other direction. Trashy riffs appear and les Ghoulunatics start to pull you into their 2001 song, "Mélodrame". It's a short song, yet it really brings up the album in regards to authenticity and just plain greatness. Vocal-wise, the next song seems to be one of the most capturing, Sabacthany off the 2004 Sabacthany album. One may truly appreciate the old school raspiness that is being offered here. Although there's many other songs of vocal ability, this is truly the first one you will encounter off this compilation.

A howling of a wolf, another clip from a classic, and Les Ghouls bring you a song from 1996 in "Mystralengine". With great lead guitars, the rhythm brings a sound very common for the time. Although it has its proper charm to it, the next song makes it pale in comparison. Track list number 10, "Monstrueusement Votre", off of their 2006 Cryptogenie album, starts off with a drum beat and quickly makes its way into the body of the song and tells a skin-crawling tale of a lonely, murderous religious man...how gruesome!

Any bass lovers out there? Make your way down to the song "Red Shovel" off of this album. This song starts out with an unsettling, yet somehow soothing sound that only a bass could accomplish. But don't be fooled, it rapidly makes its way into the main works of the song, bringing out lower growls and slower, groovier riffs towards the middle. In a forever changing song, however, the Ghouls finish it off by upping the speed back to its beginning. A nice final touch.
By track 15, we catch an interlude in "Interlude-Cold Fish". Time to relax? Not quite! Ghoulunatics bring a nice instrumental to the first half of this song that'll leave you just enough time to catch your breath before the riffs change, vocals come back, and it's time to start the headbanging once again! Speaking of headbanging, bring back some 1980's guitars, you say? The Ghoulunatics abide. The song "Exérèse" from 2006 does just that with a wicked rhythm and lead guitar intro that follows throughout the song. By this point in the album one may really start to appreciate the talent that these men have and the extreme passion for what they do.

Don't be alarmed if you hear a screaming voice echoed by song 19. "Devours and Andores" is a Ghouls classic from '96, bringing us on another haunting journey into their abyss. It's perhaps a slower song than others off of this compilation, yet it remains to be quite enjoyable nonetheless. It definitely leaves room for their final song off the "Best of 1994-2008". Return of the living dead anyone? Yes please! The song "Pernicious Sentence" off of their King of the Undead album is a fantastic way to end this compilation. Fast, groovy, and accompanied by a variation in vocals that hasn't been heard before by this band.

This album is a definite must hear for all of you who enjoy something different, something grooving in darkness, and also for those who wish to learn about some of the best old school classic horror movies! Also, this cover is an appreciation of the Misfits, and that in itself is just another bonus.

Good listening!