Megahammer - Horror Workout

I remember when I was playing "Horror Workout" on a night drive with my friend in the car, the first words that were spoken out of his mouth were, "This is some really, really good video game music." Now, when he said that I was most assured that he was speaking of retro games of the past that employed such styles of music. However, I was caught in a different era. Like taking a spin in the DeLorean Time Machine, I found myself in an age where thugs from ravenous gangs walked city streets like they owned it; where government officials called upon mysterious badasses to their dirty work, and where those leather clad badasses with raven black sunglasses kicked the shit out of every thug that crossed their path. 

Like so many other synthwave artists, Megahammer is influenced by VHS tapes that belong to the 80s as well as the soundtracks that inspired those cult films. Up until now, this Finland based producer has only released a two track EP "Double Feature" as well as a single "Catch Me" (which appears on this album). However, through hard work and dedication and a mean streak, Megahammer has unleashed his full length album on us through the support of Werkstatt Recordings. 

First of all, let's talk about that cover art. I'm finding myself to be a fan of most synth/retrowave album covers just because of the pure, unadulterated joy I have in digesting them. They tell a story in of themselves, and this one shows off a Jason Voorhees-like slasher character pressing a good amount of weight straight over his head. Surrounding him are lethal horror vixens practically worshiping the presumed serial killer. The grime covered walls have graffiti on them of the pentagram along with "Basket Case" (hopefully pointing towards the 1982 horror comedy), and there's a trash can full of guts and more right below that. In other words, by looking at this piece of art, you should know what you're getting yourself into. 

But, diving into the album I hope that you will find yourself in the same state that I'm in. Yes, I am transported back to the 80s with vicious thugs roaming the streets, but I also find myself being that mysterious badass waiting to take on a legion of thugs of the number one gang in the city. Smooth grinding synthwave tunes with a pop-ish beat to them will ring in your head; the first two tracks 'The Winner' and 'Catch Me' keep that ideal in line. 

However, when tracks such as 'Mortuary March' and 'Insane Mind' come along, I find myself less in this city run primarily by thugs. I find myself uncovering some uncanny cult obsession with a monster or creature that may not be awakened yet, or is possibly running these thugs through some kind of mind control. Either way the story is up to you to create, but it's the music that counts. 'Mortuary March' is perhaps my favorite track on the album, as it combines today's synthwave with a pure Carpenter-esque ring to it; it's fucking fantastic. 

The only slight problem I had with "Horror Workout" would probably be the tone of some of the songs in comparison to others. While most of the songs would be perfect in an eighties throwback action/revenge flick, there are a few that belong more or less in a horror scheme. None of them are bad at all, but I think that Megahammer would have done much better if he focused on creating an action film soundtrack for this release, and then with his next album focused on that horror/Halloween vibe. 

But, aside from that minor complaint, I cannot bash the music itself at all. Megahammer has given us eight songs of sheer VHS aesthetic that won't be easy to forget. Even as you listen to other synthwave acts, I bet you won't be able to not compare them to the majestic grace of Megahammer. He lifts the bar for the genre, and that's saying something considering it's been explored pretty well. 

The album has been sold out in its initial run of limited pink cassettes, but there is still a red coral cassette available. Get it now before it is gone!
Jan 25 2016