Rock & roll nostalgia

Andrew Fetterly Wilkes-Krier, better known as Andrew W.K., has released his fifth full-length rock album titled God Is Partying—an 11-track collection full of nostalgically glorious ’80s rock and roll sounds. This record offers his most metal-like sounds yet and features Andrew W.K. performing each instrument. The guitar-driven record is full of passion and optimistic messages; it offers a greater insight into Andrew W.K.’s soul as this daringly personal project seems to touch on the singer’s dark side.

God Is Partying opens with the six-minute track “Everybody Sins.” Heavy guitar riffs and smashing drums welcome the bold lyrics “your god is a liar.” The dramatic track not only opens the door enough to be intrigued, but it sets the bar for the rest of the album, creating a world of suspense for what is to come. Next follows a heavier tone, both in instrumentals and lyricism, with “Babalon.” The pace picks up between these tracks as Andrew W.K. plays a killer guitar alongside strong vocals—“Annihilate/ Turn me to dust/ regenerate/ harness my lust,” he sings.

The tides calm with “No One To Know” and “Stay True to Your Heart.” Andrew W.K. showcases his vocal range as he orchestrates a magical experience through immense passion that radiates through every second of both tracks. Within these two tracks, he taps into a deeper emotional level, something not quite seen before in his work.

“I’m in Heaven” is full of rage and screaming vocals. The heavy metal track is quickly followed by an opposing sound with “Remember Your Oath,” which offers are more soothing melody and lullaby-like vocals. At first glance, it may seem as though the order of tracks was jumbled somehow, but when listened to as a whole, it connects through emotions that are often experienced in the chaos of life.

Andrew W.K. taps into his influences for inspiration in this late project, which is deemed to be successful with big dramatic songs full of depth and authenticity. Andrew W.K. may have topped his greatest hit, “Party Hard,” with God Is Partying. The album is a deeper form of artistry, as it includes a more reflective approach with a load of religious references yet offering the relatable themes of solitude, despair, rage and optimism.