The beginning of Arnocorps' album The Greatest Band Of All Time reminded me of the Capricorns, but once the vocals kick in and the pacier material begins it would be fairer to compare them with bands such as Tankard, Finntroll and The Lord Weird Slough Feg. They are a lot of fun to listen to, but at the same time they have a high standard of musical ability.

I like to listen to bands without looking too closely at the inlay since I find it lessens the chance of developing preconceived ideas - I like to base my opinion on the music itself first since image can get in the way sometimes. I was not surprised to find that Arnocorps were Austrian, as there is a strong Germanic sound throughout the album. However, they have been based in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1991. The music is anthemic and fast for the most part, and at times has lovely mellow guitar sounds that are unusual for a band of this genre.

There are six band members, being two bassists, two guitarists, a drummer and a vocalist. However, the music is very well and tastefully composed so that it doesn't sound too busy. What I like is the fact that they have a sense of humour and yet you cannot criticise their ability - without the vocals they would still be a great band.

I have spent some time scouring their website for information, and it has been an entertaining journey. Their band history details tall tales such as a plane crash in which all band members except Holzfueur perished and were eaten by wolves. Then Holzfueur kills and eats the wolves and in so doing gains three inches in height, one for each band member that died and is now imbued with the power and spirit of his dead bandmates.

If the website is to be believed, Arnocorps have been around since 1989 and it certainly shows - they have a maturity of playing style behind all the high-energy, as they have termed it, "Action-Adventure Hardcore Rock and Roll". I cannot review this album without mentioning the fact that each track is named after, and based on, an Arnold Schwarzenegger film - hence the name Arnocorps.

If you like Tankard at all, definitely give these guys a listen, if you like Capricorns it may not appeal unless you have a Germanic sense of fun. Sometimes music should be fun. I would love to see these guys live, I think they would be most amusing and highly entertaining. There is an international tour planned for June 2006.

****

Review by Amanda Hyne

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly