Slash-and-burn punk rock ‘n’ roll: That is the best way to
describe the sound of Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards’ second
outing together; “Viking.”

The first solo album by Rancid guitarist Lars Frederiksen and
his rough crew of punk buddies was mostly stories about growing up
on the streets and the good times that were had despite the
situation.

This time around, Lars doesn’t have much to say but he sure
seems like he has something to prove.

On “Viking,” Lars sings mainly about how tough and hardcore he
is.

It’s rather strange because Lars already has the reputation of
being the most street-hardened member of one of the most
street-wise bands around: Rancid.

He doesn’t need to prove what everyone already knows. The themes
of “Viking” never drift far from hookers (whose nude photographs
adorn the liner notes), drinking, murder and Danish pride.

Regardless of the over-the-top subject matter and lyrics,
“Viking” contains some of the hardest, fastest, most rollicking
songs since Motorhead.

Lars starts off with the explosive “Bastards,” which is just an
introduction to the five bastards who make up the band. The next
three songs are more of the same circle pit-enducing monsters.

“Viking” falters a bit with “Switchblade,” which has the
silliest lyrics on the album (“I got a Glock 19 with a lazer
inside!”) but picks up again with the sinister “Mainlining Murder”
and the wonderful, almost celtic-sounding Tim Armstrong
collaboration “My Life To Live.”

The album ends with “The Viking,” a strange narration by Lars
over soft guitar and drums and strings. While Lars and The Bastards
are no Rancid, they certainly pack enough musical (but not lyrical)
punch to tide over most fans until the next proper Rancid
album.

Recommended if you like:

–Rancid

–Motorhead

— U.S. Bombs

–truck-stop knife fights