MR. BUNGLE – The Raging Wrath Of The Easter Bunny Demo

This is Easter… ween?

A little bit off-season, Halloween brings us The Raging Wrath of the Easter Bunny Demo by Mr. Bungle. This release is a reimagining of the band’s original Hardcore Thrash Metal 1986 demo. The original lineup was vocalist Mike Patton (Faith No More), bassist Trevor Dunn (Melvins, Fantômas), and multi-instrumentalist Trey Spruance (Secret Chiefs 3). MER has also attended the album release concert, which you can read about by clicking here.

Special Easter Eggs

For this new reincarnation of Mr. Bungle, they recruited none other than Scott Ian (Anthrax) and Dave Lombardo (Slayer) to complete the lineup, accompanying them to the studio after a short stint of touring together.

The riffage is lightning fast and punishing. Vocals are unhinged and show a side of Mike Patton most are not familiar with. It’s an interesting combination, but one that will not be easily digestible to anyone but the most avid fans of Hardcore and Thrash Metal heavy on the punk influences. It helps if you imagine the whole as a big joke about the Easter Bunny and assume Patton is always singing dressed for the occasion.

Hardcore Thrash Metal from the Past

Mr. Bungle’s sound is not your typical Bay Area Thrash Metal act, though they do thread sometimes close to early Exodus or Anthrax. It’s closer to Hardcore acts at times, and overall quite raw and visceral. The lyrics are laden with comedy but with a particular brand of dark humor that really matches the music. Production is clear and everything sounds on point. The updated arrangements and improved sound prove that the 1986 demo could have launched the band into Thrash stardom if it was properly taken care of.

Album Breakdown

Album highlights include the Pantera-before-Pantera “Bungle Grind”, The almost pleasant “Methematics” with its more subdued riffing and “Eracist” with its almost Rage Against like qualities. Out of the many high-speed guitar assaults present on The Raging Wrath of the Easter Bunny, it’s hard to pick a favorite, but “Hypocrites / Habel Español O Muere” will definitely have you laughing with its “La Cucaracha” reference and lyrics that pick on racism against the Latino community.

Verdict

Existing Mr. Bungle fans will be delighted to hear this update on the band’s seminal demo, and Scott Ian and Dave Lombardo propel the music to the absolute next level. Recommended for the comedy factor, or for dedicated fans of Hardcore infused Thrash Metal. Fans of Faith No More will probably want to skip this release, while fans of Anthrax or Slayer might find something to love on The Raging Wrath of the Easter Bunny.