A hard band to explain to the uninitiated for a rich variety of reasons, Turbonego was (and remains) a so-called “deathpunk” ensemble from Oslo driven by razor-sharp satire and a tireless dedication to flaunting the mores of political correctness at every conceivable juncture. While certainly not the first nor even the most notorious band to take this perilous tack, these Norwegians truly excelled at courting outrage and controversy at every turn, although song titles like “Hobbit Motherfuckers,” “Blow Me (Like The Wind)” and — wait for it — “Midnight NAMBLA” ought to have tipped off even the most po-faced of listeners that they weren’t entirely serious. But, y’know, humor is ultimately subjective, I guess.
I was first introduced to Turbonegro — allegedly thus-named to imply “very fast” and “jet black,” and not a racial allusion in any capacity, but do have fun trying to defend that — by way of my friend Dean. Dean boldly asserted, one beery evening, that the band’s fourth album, 1998’s Apocalypse Dudes was one of his favorite albums of all time. Given Dean’s encyclopedic knowledge and appreciation of rock music in all its permutations, this was not an anemic endorsement, and I dutifully picked up a copy of the record to experience it for myself.
Indeed, with even a cursory spin of Apocalypse Dudes, it was quite evident that beyond the band’s pointedly provocative prurience, the music itself was just this incredible amalgam of the best elements of glam, punk, metal and thrash, all deceptively executed with some stylish chops behind all the campy sailor outfits, black leather and smeared lipstick. While Turbonegro’s shtick was an inexorable ingredient to their whole aesthetic, the tunes were undeniable. If I’m doing a crap job of explaining this, I’ll defer to Brandon Stosuy’s summation of their early records for Pitchfork from 2003. While very much not for everyone, Turbonegro could deliver the goods.
On Friday, sad news arrived that former vocalist Hank Von Helvete (aka Hank Von Hell) had passed away at the age of 49. The voice of those early Turbonegro records like Ass Cobra, Scandinavian Leather and Apocalypse Dudes, Hank had a history of depression and addiction, as detailed in the band documentary ResErection. A cause of death was not disclosed.
Below is my favorite track of theirs with Hank on vocals. The video is, of course, age-restricted and very much not for everyone, but it amply showcases what a fucking great band they were. Pour one out.
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