The world is going to the dogs, of that there can be no doubt. We’re all going to hell, no handbasket required. Fret not.

For what’s that coming over the hill? It’s a monster, all right. A 20-limbed beast intent on satisfying its craving for one thing and one thing only: a party to end all parties.

The Malkovich family is made up of Hugo Malkovich on vocals, bassist Job Malkovich, Josha Malkovich on drums, and guitarists Mark and Thomas Malkovich. Like their namesake, actor John Malkovich, they’re contrarians. Instead of continuing to offer pure hardcore to the devoted fanbase they’ve developed across Europe, they now throw in elements of rock, metal, and jazz into the mix on Kings n’ Bosses.

Yet their debut on Go-Kart will hardly alienate their existing followers. Tracks are numbered rather than named. Something the band can get away with as there’s little major deviation between the individual songs.

This record won’t change your life. It will, however, offer some respite from an increasingly bleak existence. Party on!

(3¾/5)