By Angela Croudace
Release date: 31/01/25
Frankenbok, the Australian metal outfit known for their blend of thrash, groove, and hardcore influences, has unleashed their long-awaited album Irrepressible. A band with a reputation for high-energy performances and unrelenting heaviness, Frankenbok’s latest release takes their signature sound to new heights, combining raw aggression with sharp hooks and an undeniable sense of urgency. With Irrepressible, Frankenbok proves they are still at the forefront of the Australian metal scene, delivering a brutal yet captivating sound that demands attention.
Dopamine (I Got A New Ping) is a chaotic, gloriously disorienting opening track that immediately sets the tone for Irrepressible. With its wild energy and frenetic pace, the song feels like a demented fusion of funk and metal, blending influences that evoke the frenetic vocal style of Mike Patton—rapid shifts between melodic lines, aggressive yells, and manic screams. The crisp guitar picking anchors the track amidst the chaos, keeping the rhythm steady as intermittent yelling and fast-paced vocals give way to blast beats and heavy metal yells past the halfway mark. The song doesn’t let up; its frantic intensity eventually slows to a tense, dramatic build-up that leaves you hanging on the edge, eager for what’s to come.
iWoke follows suit, introducing itself with a driving drum and bass intro before launching into a blend of funk-inspired vocals and guttural metal screams. The track shifts constantly, switching from intense breakdowns to slower, groovier moments, keeping you on your toes with each sudden pace change. The plucking of the bass guitar adds texture, while cymbal-heavy passages and an explosive breakdown towards the end—driven by guttural growls, a fierce guitar riff, and rapid drumming—create an all-consuming sound. The repeated lyrics, “I woke up woke up like this,” add a hypnotic, almost anthemic quality to the track as it builds to a frenzy.
The Fallen Phoenix opens with an atmospheric, almost psychedelic vibe, as chanting and drumsticks tapping on a snare rim create a sense of mounting tension. The stick tapping’s rapid, left-to-right panning movement builds a buzz, ramping up the intensity before the track breaks into a heavy, groove-laden intro that hints at a fierce, rebellious energy. As the song progresses, metal yells and growls emerge, contrasting with parts of melodic, slower grooves that provide an unexpected sense of space behind the punishing drums. The guitar leans more into rock territory, giving the track a distinct edge. The trailing, drawn-out vocals—like a slowed-down version of a familiar rock frontman—add a unique, almost hypnotic element. A catchy rhythm threads through the chaos, which ultimately leads to a powerful and frenzied climax that explodes with wild energy – all before coming to an abrupt end.
We’re NOT the Drummonds kicks off with a menacing drum roll that quickly gives way to creepy, throaty vocals that set a dark, unsettling tone. The track surges forward with a fast-paced rock/metal beat layered with distorted vocals that seem almost indecipherable, adding to the chaotic, disorienting atmosphere. The chugging rock rhythm becomes increasingly gripping and catchy, building speed as it hits the halfway point, while the impressive guitar work provides an added layer of intensity. The track remains fast and almost nonsensical at times, but it all comes together in a final barrage of rock yells, à la the great Lemmy Kilmister, before the lyrics finally break into clarity towards the end. It’s a wild, unpredictable ride that ends on a thrilling note.
Static Wings opens with a surreal, dreamscape-like atmosphere, as if a goblin is whispering secrets in your ear. The track settles into a catchy rock rhythm reminiscent of The Fallen Phoenix, though not quite as frantic. The heavy drums and guitar purposefully drown out the vocals, creating an almost claustrophobic feel – again, not unpleasantly, more as a clever use of stylistic flair. As the song progresses, the pace shifts, bringing clearer lyrics intertwined with harsh yells and guttural growls. Towards the end, things take a wild turn, descending into practically incoherent gurgling before it slows down. The track finishes with an unexpected twist—a calm, almost country-like outro, complete with nighttime sounds like crickets and faint vocals, giving you the sensation of sitting outside a seedy bar at night after catching a live Frankenbok show. It’s a striking, immersive journey that perfectly captures the band’s unpredictable nature.
Look, you might be forgiven (maybe) for thinking Frankenbok is the ugly love child of Faith No More and The Red Hot Chili Peppers with a healthy dose of metal and a sprinkle of pure madness tossed in for good measure. I don’t even know what I just heard, but somehow, Irrepressible really fucking works—and surprisingly, I enjoyed it.
These tracks, this EP, shouldn’t work. They might seem to lack any coherent structure to the average listener, but I think that’s part of the genius behind Frankenbok. The chaotic brilliance is precisely what makes them so great: there’s an undeniable charm in the disordered madness of the Almighty BOK!
