Before Norway’s TURBONEGRO became rock ‘n roll gods, they were a straight up death punk band. Burning Heart/Epitaph Records have thankfully reissued the band’s third album, Ass Cobra. The album is a great TURBO-charged, power chord driven assault. Akin to the MISFITS, TURBONEGRO crafted in-your-face anthems that are packed with infectious hooks and screaming with attitude. And speaking of the MISFITS, the band pays tribute to the legends with the track, “Denim Demon.” The vocals, vocal hooks, and the riffs are 100% Glenn Danzig. A strongpoint of the album is the fact that each song has it’s own distinct character. The band easily goes from gritty, aggressive numbers to more melodic and upbeat tracks. Most of today’s so-called punk bands are just too diluted and meaningless so it’s a pleasure to hear a contemporary band playing true punk. One unique aspect of this band is that they’re not afraid to put blatant homosexual themes in their music in order to invoke/provoke some cerebral activity. As a bonus, this reissue includes the promo video for “Denim Demon” and a live performance of “The Midnight NAMBLA” from their reunion show at the Quart Festival 2002. Some consider Ass Cobra to be one of the best punk records of the 90’s. And you know what? They’re right. Nuff said. (Burning Heart/Epitaph)