Less than two years after frontman Hank von Helvete quit the band, Turbonegro are back. Still intent on keeping Scandinavian punk confined to the toilet, “Sexual Harassment” is ten tracks of boisterous, humorous pseudo-deathpunk noise.
New frontman (and longtime fan) Tony Sylvester seems to have adapted well to his new role by the time “Shake Your Shit Machine” reaches its chorus. While grittier in approach than von Helvete, Sylvester is nonetheless convincing as a depraved frontman of a band who love to sing about body parts.
The classic-rock of “Mister Sister” – with lyrics such as “now you’re the sewer of the nation” - continues the debauched theme, while “Buried Alive” is pretty ordinary punk rock. “Tight Jeans, Loose Leash” brings us back to ultra-sleazy rock territory, and features some glorious guitar work from Euroboy. “Rise Below” doesn’t seem to fit on the album, but “You Give Me Worms” ends the album on a hilariously positive note. Inconsistent, but largely enjoyable.
Fans will acknowledge, for better or for worse, that Turbonegro have long since departed from the full-on deathpunk sound of “Ass Cobra” or “Apocalypse Dudes.” While this album doesn’t reach those great heights, it’s a pretty good return, and represents much more than a transitionary period for the band. They may not be the force they once were, but this is still a good album.