Post Mortem Records – 08 May 2025
Unique re-recording of this classic debut with an all-star cast!
The Undead have been the mainstay band of former Misfits lead guitarist Bobby Steele. Since 1982, Steele has been producing his own unique blend of punk rock mixed with horror, yet somewhat segregated from what one might deem as horror punk. Following a number of successful singles, the band released the debut Act Your Rage in 1989 on the Post Mortem label. This album produced many staple songs in the band’s live set and catalog overall. The current incarnation of The Undead have released Act Your Rage … Again as a re-recording of the original debut. A common reaction to such news is always “why,” especially for an album held in such high regard. Before getting into details, let me state that this is not a simple carbon copy of the original versions. For this release, the band called upon many guest musicians to add a unique flavor to each track.
The hard driving “Evening Of Desire” kicks off this re-recording. On this track, the band enlisted former Guns N Roses guitarist Bumblefoot along with legendary horror punk Argyle Goolsby on bass. The tempo is kept fairly close to the original aside from a unique guitar lead. Cancerslug / Doyle frontman Alex Story takes lead vocal duties on “Hollywood Boulevard” which follows. This track has such a cool groove that helps set the scene. To add to the cool factor, the band enlisted legendary saxophonist Tim Capello who you have definitely seen in the move the Lost Boys. Fan favorite “Gimme Your Autograph” rocks hard on this re-recording. Bobby Steel’s vocals sound as powerful as ever. “The Way We Behave” is completely reborn as a rockabilly track on this release. Matt Witte from the band New Blood Revival handles guitar and vocal duties. The Undead version of the classic “Eve of Destruction” follows. The vocal patterning is a little different than the original. There is some guest guitar work on this track courtesy of Rick Rivets of New York Dolls fame, amongst others. The guitar takes on a more metallic tone here.
For you vinyl lovers, I will divide the review by album sides. Side B begins with the eponymous “Undead” with many special guests. Alex Story returns on lead vocals along with Goolsby on bass. This time, former Black Flag vocalist and Misfits guitarist Dez Cadena appears in lead guitar. I really like the darker feel on this version as well as the solid backing vocals. The mighty “I Don’t Wanna Go” follows with a new special guest! This time, legendary punk guitarist Greg Hetson makes an appearance. Alex Story shines on lead vocals throughout this track. The gang vocals of “No No No” are extremely mighty and powerful in the chorus. One of Bobby’s best vocal performances on the album is on “We Don’t Want The Poor In New York City” which is next. I feel he delivers with a snarl in his voice that is equal haunting and eerie. “Social Reason” which follows is fairly close to the original recording. I am not sure of the connection, but current Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren appears on this one. I was anxiously awaiting this next track which did not disappoint. “Put Your Clothes Back On” has always been one of my all-time favorite Undead tracks. Tim’s sax on this one is what makes it one of the album’s standouts. It sounds like current member Diana Steele is providing the great backup vocals as well. Any Misfits fan is more than familiar with “Ratt Fink” which the Undead includes on this debut. Dez Cadena provides powerful and fun lead guitar licks. The bridge boasts a strong guitar lead as well. Though it does not appear on the original album, the track “In Eighty Four” closes out this re-recording. Argyle Goolsby returns this time providing lead vocals. He provides a really cool vibrato in his delivery. Tim’s saxophone is totally free range and chaotic throughout. This version is top notch!
If you made it this far then you know I more than approve of the band’s decision to re-record Act Your Rage. For those not aware, Bobby and company have been writing, recording and playing live consistently since the band’s formation. Members come and go but the spirit of the band more than lives on through the recordings. As previously stated, these are not lazy re-recordings of the same song structure as previously released. As a longtime fan, I hope that this re-recording and re-release of the debut album attracts fans both old and new.
You can pick up a copy of the album, and find more The Undead info, at their official page.
I am mostly known in cyberspace as a vinyl junkie and punk rock bassist! Fair assessment. I am the bassist of the Chicago area power pop / pop punk band SPACE AGE ZEROS.