If you’re one of those metal fans that likes your metal to be safe, traditional, and without a sense of humor, then stop reading right now. But if you’re open-minded and enjoy hearing bands that take metal in wild new directions, then Kontrust’s “Second Hand Wonderland” is the album for you. Known for years as a highly entertaining live band in their native Austria and infamous for wearing lederhosen during live concerts. It is impossible to classify Kontrust in one particular genre other than to say they are a crossover band that infuses elements of metal, rock, punk, disco, industrial, pop, jazz, polka (yes, polka!), ska, reggae, and rap into a fun, infectious, innovative, and highly entertaining package.

The band utilizes two vocalists with totally different styles. Agata, the female vocalist adds the melody and pop sensibilities to the music, while male vocalist Stefan uses a combination of hip-hop, reggae, and rock. The lyrics are predominantly sung in English, but also incorporate German and Slavic as well. Together, their voices blend to bring the music of Kontrust to life. It would be impossible to describe everything that’s going on within each song in a few paragraphs. The first single Sock ‘N’ Hop begins with Agata’s a cappella yodeling intro and a crushing guitar riff from guitarists Mike and Robert and a catchy sing-a-long chorus. The accompanying video featuring a band and audience made up of sock puppets has to be seen to be believed! Some of my other favorites include “Falling”, “U Say What”, the punk infused “Hey DJ”, “Monkey Boy”, and the uber-melodic finale “Police’ which features Agata’s best vocal performance on the album. If you’re a fan of cross-genre bands like Faith No More, Rammstein, Mr. Bungle, and Diablo Swing Orchestra, I urge you to pick up “Second Hand Wonderland”! You’ll thank me later!!!

Rating: 9.0