The Liver is Evil, a self-released album from Alliance thrash band The Raging Derilicts, explodes with the title track, a pure thrash anthem cut from the same cloth as Pantera’s “I Am the Night” and Metallica’s “Whiplash." It warns the listener of the dangers of sobriety and the punishment owed to the most wicked of organs: that evil, evil liver.
Next is "Walking on Razorblades," a single that has received regular radio play in the Scottsbluff area by Mitchell station KETT 99.3, gaining the band a legion of listeners across the Panhandle.
The meatiest part of the album mirrors Gwar and Steel Panther in lyrics, while the riffs show heavy Judas Priest and Motörhead worship. The Derilicts tell tales of irksome prudes, jacking off, bad blow-jobs and features a necrophilia song titled "Crack Open a Cold One." Vocalist and guitarist Kyle Sasse says, "Look, I'd never fuck a dead person, but it makes for an awesome song."
Later in the album, “Merek” is a good way to blow off some steam. It’s a “feel good” track for when you’re seething with rage at regular jerk-offs that piss you off from day to day. You know the type.
Third from the last is "Zombie Apocalypse," which borrows from the astro-projection of Dave Mustaine as a spirit guide and brings the record to full-thrash-circle.
Second from the finish line is my favorite Derilicts song, "Runnin' Free." It's a jailbreak song that's best enjoyed live after a few beers.
The album is marked by the cornerstone biker tribute “The Ride," which is perfect to throw on when you’re headed to the corner store to pick up another 12-pack and put the album on repeat.
Derilict bassist, Derek Johnson, had this to say: “DILLIGAF explains the CD in one word. The album itself is very habit-forming. It’s hard to quit listening to. Be careful, as the CD may have you urging to be completely disrespectful, get wasted and ride motorcycles through graveyards.”
Spike Jordan is a Hear Nebraska contributor. He's a Marine Corps veteran and majors in broadcast journalism at Chadron State College.