Chaos in Middle Name | Infamy | GWAR

GWAR is known for their over-the-top lyrics, often blending elements of science fiction, horror, and dark humor with their heavy metal music. One song that exemplifies this approach is "Infamy," a track from their 2001 album "Velvet Lies and Vices."

The song's title refers to the idea of infamy as a state of being notorious for something, often in a negative sense. In the context of the song, GWAR's lead vocalist Oderus Urungus (R.I.P.) uses the concept to explore themes of moral decay, societal collapse, and the consequences of humanity's descent into chaos.

Throughout the track, lyrics like "I'm not sure what I am, but I know what I hate" and "I'll never be a saint, I'll never be a sinner" paint a picture of a world in disarray, where traditional notions of good and evil are rendered obsolete. The song's chorus, which repeats the phrase "Infamy is my middle name," becomes a sort of mantra, highlighting the idea that GWAR themselves embody this state of notoriety through their music and performances.

Musically, "Infamy" features a driving rhythm section, punctuated by bursts of shredding guitar work and Oderus's unmistakable growl. The result is a track that's both an anthem for misfits and outcasts and a scathing critique of modern society. Overall, "Infamy" showcases GWAR's unique blend of humor, horror, and heavy riffs, cementing their status as one of the most enduring and influential metal bands of all time.

As the song reaches its climax, Oderus utters the infamous line "I'll never be a hero, I'll never be a zero," summing up the GWAR ethos in a nutshell. In other words, they're not interested in playing by the rules or conforming to societal norms – and that's what makes their music so damn great.