Iron Monkey
Ruined By Idiots: Live And Unleashed

As is obviously the case, a review of this "compilation," if we can call it that, hasn't been done yet.

It was 2002 and the Iron Monkey had already been dead for 3 years.

But the question is: why did this compilation, or whatever you want to call it, come out in 2002? Well, in 2002, the legendary Johnny Morrow, one of the most desperate and sick voices of all Sludge, undoubtedly, died due to a heart attack.

Enough talking about the dead. Now let's talk about this mud-stained diamond.

This CD contains 14 tracks, most of which are Live versions.

The first four tracks are 4 songs from their self-titled debut album recorded at a concert in Nottingham in 1995, which are: Fink Dial, 666 Pack, Big Loader, and Web Of Piss or all summed up in a wonderfully acrid and putrid combo. Those who know and listen to the Iron Monkey know what I mean.

Following are: "Charlton Heston's Floor", an unreleased song never recorded in the studio; "Boss Keloid" Live version, one of the best tracks from their second and final album "Our Problem"; "Dukes Of Nothing", another unreleased song never recorded in the studio but appears many times Live, with riffs terrifyingly close to Hardcore Punk.

There's also a cover of Void, "Dehumanized" and then an indispensable Black Sabbath cover, "Cornucopia" in a more twisted version than ever. Finally, the last three tracks are "Bad Year", "House Anxiety" and "I.R.M.S." (+ outro more than full of nutritious feedback) directly from the recording of their, alas, last recorded concert in 1999.

Oh, the last two tracks are not on the CD list so... surprise!

This album was needed for two reasons: 1) for the old fans who wanted a new album after "Our Problem". 2) As a tribute to frontman Johnny Morrow.

This record is a syringe full of acid injected into the penis, it's not for everyone.

R.I.P. JOHNNY MORROW!