Mephiskapheles Photo by Bryan Kremkau, Skapunkphotos.com, used with permission
Ska-metal third-wavers Mephiskapheles are unequivocally back from the dead. Some bands have reunion shows, but Mephiskapheles is playing for keeps. Since 2013, they’ve played Skalapalooza, Riot Fest, the Bosstones’ Hometown Throwdown, and have just continued touring. This Saturday they’ll return to Great Scott alongside Voodoo Glow Skulls. The show will mark the Boston record release show for their self-titled EP which dropped last Friday. This EP is their first release since their 1999 album “Might-ay White-ay.” Like I said, they’re back with a vengeance.
The album is sure to please existing Meph fans and is a great introduction for those who are new to their satanic style. The EP kicks off with their signature heavy guitars mixed with dissonant, epic horns. The album touches on reggae, peppy third wave, and traditional ska sounds. The topics are, of course, fire and brimstone. The horn players still have their jazz chops, Dave Hahn still flies between ska and reggae rhythms and ripping licks, and vocalist Andre A. Worrell still sounds possessed, which is probably what he’s going for. Listen below.
The EP is available on bandcamp. 6 tracks will cost you $6.66 because of course that’s what it costs. In case you’re curious, the binary code at the bottom of the cover art is 666 (yes, I looked it up), but I’m not sure where the QR code leads.
See the band Saturday, June 20 at Great Scott. Tickets are available here. Read our full show preview here. Join the Facebook event.
Big Tunes: Hell on Earth, Let Them Come