Founded in 1998, PSYCHOPUNCH is a Swedish band that's been carrying and setting the Punk Rock standard proudly for over 20 years. During that time, like any volatile situation, there's been turnover. PSYCHOPUNCH has never wavered in their intentions. So, despite the occasional obstacle, they have consistently maintained what they feel is important to their sound.....rhythm, attitude and never ending persistence.

"We Are Just As Welcome As Holy Water In Satan's Drink" was originally released in 2007, and has now been reissued by Massacre Records as a 20^th Anniversary Special Edition. The full original album is supplemented with a bonus disc that features the band's 1998 demo, "333 Half as Evil" demo. Essentially, eight more tracks of mayhem. The original cover art is retained which features awesome pin-up/retro vintage style like all of their releases do.

The original album open with "Down in Flames" and carries an immediate resemblance to SOCIAL DESTRUCTION's sound. There's not a whole lot of variety happening here, nothing overly inventive or revolutionary. The majority of tracks are quick ragers clocking in under 5 minutes, and that's just fine. What the album represents is low slung guitars, whirlwind drums, raw vocals throughout and a basic balls in your face rock-n-roll attitude. Don't like it? Fuck off. I've always loved the more punk aspect of bands. It's just more interesting I suppose, and PSYCHOPUNCH have that swagger down to an art.

"Going Crazy" the title track and "Stranded" were blatant favorites for me on my first listen through. During subsequent listens, "Back For Good" and the album opener "Down in Flames" captured my attention. These songs carry a more noticeable melodic aspect than most of their contemporaries. I guarantee that once you become familiar with these songs, you'll be singing along.

The bonus disc of demo material is a fun historical journey back in time. This was a self produced release that the band sent to a multitude of record labels only to face rejection. The band apparently took out a loan, recorded "We Are Just As Welcome As Holy Water In Satan's Drink" and found themselves signed to the legendary White Jazz Records label. Lucky for us they did maintain that persistence. I'm glad I discovered this band, and in particular, this album. Massacre Records and PSYCHOPUNCH have certainly done us a service by reissuing it. I can only hope this 20^th anniversary release leads to more fans discovering this underground legend.