REVIEW: GWAR - The Return Of Gor Gor

Forty years ago, an odd band claiming to hail from a tomb in Antarctica took over the shock rock and metal scene, and has been gracing crowds around the world with its now iconic lyrics and gnarly looks ever since. Being arguably the founding fathers of masked bands, GWAR has built a solid community of people of all ages, who are passionate about the band’s stories and music, and the number keeps increasing every day. After three long years since the last release, The New Dark Ages, the band has finally come out with a new project, and it's accompanied by a multitude of special additions as the band’s thank you to everyone who has supported them throughout the long and exciting journey.

GWAR’s latest EP, The Return Of Gor Gor, features a return of the long-lost three-ton Tyrannosaurus Rex Gor Gor. In three completely new songs, the intergalactic warlords are set to explain everything that has happened, starting with the opening track The Great Circus Train Disaster. Serving heavy guitars and drums from the first note, GWAR once again does not hold back on using various sounds and instruments in a span of one song, bringing the ultimate listening experience even on releases that are much less than full-length. The listeners ought to know that the wee Gor Gor is now a twenty-foot tall crossdressing dinosaur trying to find his way in the cruel human world.

Following with the song Lot Lizard, the plot thickens, as it turns out the pet T-Rex is plotting a big and juicy revenge, that somehow involves lots of hotdogs in questionable orifices. Showing off the iconic guitar skills of BälSäc and Grodius of the Maximus Clan and the insane bass of Beefcake the Mighty, the song is a rollercoaster of riffs, accompanied by Blöthar’s vocals and Jizmak Da Gusha’s aggressive drums. The piece depicts Gor Gor’s anger and struggles accurately with the use of instruments and melodies, allowing the listeners to picture the scene in their heads as it happens.

The last new addition to GWAR’s repertoire is the ultimate final track Tyrant King. Closing up the story of the unexpected reunion, the track is energetic, aggressive and as chaotic as the band can get, revolving around the anger of Gor Gor, who has decided to wipe out the human race for everything they have put them through for good. Arguably the heaviest track on the album, it is, as with the other two songs, a perfect example of GWAR’s creativity and a proof that the intergalactic warlords still burst with creativity, even after forty years on the scene.

The four remaining songs featured on the EP are live recordings from the band’s 2024 tour, specifically from their show at The Masquerade in in Atlanta. The songs chosen for The Return Of Gor Gor are Crack in the Egg, The Founding Fathers, America Must Be Destroyed and Fishfuck. Featuring some spoken parts, as well as the full songs, the live versions give the songs another dimension and really give the EP a new perspective, even if those who aren't fond of live recordings might just skip them. Nonetheless, they are still fitting for the narrative of the whole release and are a fun addition to listen to, together with the thirty-two page comic detailing the return of Gor Gor which is included with all versions of the release, that is set to make the listening experience even more immersive for those who decide to buy a physical copy of this unmissable piece of art.

The EP is a proper celebration of GWAR’s anniversary on the scene, and going back to their roots, while still adding something new, is the best way to celebrate, together with the other surprises the band has to offer to their fans. Although the live recordings at the end might not be everyone’s cup of tea, they still add depth to the EP and are a fun touch. The Return Of Gor Gor is a great release that showcases GWAR’s impeccable form and their ability to turn everything into a chaotic masterpiece, and will surely make anyone who enjoys the work of the legends of shock rock laugh their way into the afternoon.

Score: 9/10

The Return Of Gor Gor was released on July 25th 2025 via Pit Records.

Words: Katerina Stepanikova

Photos: GWAR