F.K.Ü.: 1981

When I was a kid, I poured through the entertainment section of the newspaper with a mix of curiousity and fear. It was the 1980s and there were so many slasher films in the market, there were always scary looking images of sharpened weapons, crazy killers, and hapless victims. Even though I was too young to see most of them, I was always curious just what kinds of experiences they offered. Little did I know that I was witnessing the unfolding of the now infamous 1980s slasher cycle, a time that delivered over 200 films in the subgenre. Even though these films varied in quality, many of them are now classics of the subgenre. The rest are either cult favorites or just plain cheesy. 1981 was a particularly good year because it launched the sequels that only hinted at the franchise juggernauts to come. It was the year of films such as Friday the 13th, Part 2, Halloween 2, The Evil Dead, The Funhouse, My Bloody Valentine, and Hell Night. That's why this album pays tribute to 1981. It was a good year.

It's commonly known that many horror fans also listen to heavy metal. Clips from horror movies frequently appear in metal songs and some bands are just as likely to place Evil Dead or Halloween as influences just as strong as Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, or Death. F.K.Ü. is that kind of band. When they started, the band wanted nothing more than to celebrate 80s slasher films and 80s thrash. On this album, they give listeners a love letter to 1981.

The album opens with sound effects that suggest inserting a VHS tape into a player. With a once-familiar click and whir, things get started. The album then quickly evokes the past, not just through echoes of old technology but also through the overall sound and style of the music. Thrash fans will find the music irresistible. The opening track, "1981" is at once hilarious, sincere, anthemic, and aggressive. This band knows exactly how to compose songs with the right blend of punk, metal, groove, and attitude. If "1981" sets the stage, things keep going strong with "Nightmares in a Damaged Brain," "Hell Night," and beyond. I really liked "The Funhouse" even though it was a little slower than the rest. I also enjoyed "Night School," "The Beyond" and "Ms 45." This album is never subtle or complex but it sure is fun. Fans of horror and thrash will find plenty to enjoy here.

Track Listing:
1. 1981
2. Nightmares in a Damaged Brain
3. Hell Night
4. Corpse Mania
5. Friday the 13th Part 2
6. The Burning
7. The Funhouse
8. The House by the Cemetery
9. Burial Ground_24 Bit
10. The Prowler
11. The Beyond
12. Halloween II
13. Night School
14. Ms 45
15. Evil Dead

Added: November 3rd 2017
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Bandcamp Page
Hits: 1656
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]