The New Dark Ages

The New Dark Ages is the fifteenth album by thrash metal band Gwar. It was released on June 3, 2022 through the band's own label Slave Pit Inc., making it their first record to not be released through Metal Blade Records since 2009 Lust in Space. It also marked the band's last album to feature guitarist Pustulus Maximus (Brent Purgason) as he announced his departure from the band the next year.

Since its release, the album has received positive reviews for the social commentary featured on its lyrics and Michael Bishop's vocal performance. It was promoted by a tour and the comic book Gwar in the Duoverse of Absurdity released by Z2 Comics.

Reception
Sam Law of Kerrang! rated this album a 3 out of 5, stating that "rather than dulling the overall mood, the focus on seriousness in some parts emphasises the silliness of others" and declaring that Gwar "remain the band in the universe". Writing for Metal Injection, Max Heilman gave this album an 8 out of 10, praising it for the band's social commentary and new vocalist Michael Bishop.

Track listing

 * 1) "New Dark Age" – 4:17
 * 2) "Blood Libel" – 3:36
 * 3) "Berserker Mode" – 4:08
 * 4) "Mother Fucking Liar" – 3:12
 * 5) "Unto the Breach" – 4:19
 * 6) "Completely Fucked" – 3:55
 * 7) "The Cutter" – 4:01
 * 8) "Rise Again" – 5:18
 * 9) "The Beast Will Eat Itself" – 3:13
 * 10) "Venom of the Platypus" – 4:36
 * 11) "Ratcatcher" – 4:08
 * 12) "Bored to Death" – 4:00
 * 13) "Temple Ascent (Death Whistle Suite)" – 1:43
 * 14) "Starving Gods (Death Whistle Suite)" – 5:11
 * 15) "Deus Ex Monstrum (Death Whistle Suite)" – 10:53

Personnel
Gwar
 * Michael Bishop (Blöthar the Berserker) – lead vocals, bass guitar
 * Mike Derks (Bälsäc the Jaws o’ Death) – rhythm guitar, electric ukulele
 * Bob Gorman (Bonesnapper the Cave Troll) – backing vocals
 * Matt Maguire (Sawborg Destructo) – co-lead vocals
 * Casey Orr (Beefcake the Mighty) – bass guitar, kazoo, backing vocals
 * Brent Purgason (Pustulus Maximus) – lead guitar, backing vocals
 * Brad Roberts (Jizmak Da Gusha) – drums, percussion

Additional personnel
 * Alex De Jong – assistant engineering
 * Lzzy Hale – vocals on "The Cutter"
 * Hey Steve – rapping on "Rise Again"
 * Alex Horley – cover art
 * "Divebar" Steve Kramer – harmony vocals on "Ratcatcher"
 * Ronan Murphy – keyboards, vocals, sound design, mixing, production, mastering
 * Arlan Oscar – Hammond B3 on "Rise Again", Mellotron on "Rise Again"