Melvins have today released their new single titled ‘King Of Rome’ from their upcoming album ‘Thunderball‘, dropping April 18th via Ipecac Recordings. As part of their ‘Melvins 1983’ series to commemorate the year of their formation, the Melvins continue their almost half-century of FAFO-style rock with sonic anarchy and creative panache that only a trio of sick fucks like these can ultimately churn out.
From being one of the creators of this pure and sheer style of music to being the evolutionary purveyors and curators of the rebelliousness and raw power that is continually fresh and focused, Melvins takes it to the next level and then kicks the ladder away because, well, who else can make it pure like this.
This is in it’s own universe, and that universe is fucking awesome.
About ‘Thunderball’
‘King Of Rome’ once again features contributions from avant-electronic artists Void Manes and Ni Maîtres, with Osborne saying of the song “The ‘King of Rome!! Hot Cross Buns! This song is a hot little punk rock number. I hope all of you enjoy it and tell your friends.” The band previously released the near-10 minute long song “Victory of the Pyramids,” which Consequence declared a “minor epic.”
Album pre-orders are available now, with Thunderball available on a trio of vinyl variants including an indie-exclusive “Smoke Is A Color” variant and an Ipecac webstore-only “Special Mustard Gas.” The album will also be available on CD and all digital formats.
“Mike Dillard is the original drummer for the Melvins, we’ve been friends since high school. We met in Montesano, a small town on the coast of Washington state. I hated everything about that town. I hated the people, hated the teachers, hated the cops, hated the weather and I hated how isolated it was. I had no friends at all, which was fine by me.
My classmates proved themselves the enemy so finding someone I could relate to was great. Mike was immediately impressed with all of the weird music I was into. Up to that point, I hadn’t met anyone with an interest in any of my musical discoveries. It was an amazing time in the history of music and no one around me was interested. We were surrounded by mediocrity, stupidity, prejudice, and dangerous rednecks. We learned to play music together. We grew up together. We have remained friends all these years.
Thunderball is the third Melvins’ 1983 record we’ve made together. I wanted this one to be bombastic. I think it is.
I’ve been wanting to do something with Void Manes and Ni Maîtres for a long time. Both of them are exceptional talents and were a joy to work with. Their out-of-the-box use of electronics pushed Thunderball beyond my expectations.”
Osborne worked with longtime friend Dillard and collaborators Ni Maîtres and Void Manes, whose distinct voices and contributions pushed Thunderball into new realms. Each brought a unique perspective:
- Ni Maîtres (noise/upright bass): “Are you a sponge or a stone? Do you like to experience all facets of life, or do you shut yourself off from new experiences?”
- Void Manes (noise/creepy machine vocals): “I was quite gratified to spill a heap of abstract electronic debris into the desert for this record. Fragments diffused in the dust, reanimating into a disturbance underneath.”
- Mike Dillard (drums): “I love this record. I think it’s amazing—a lovely blend of beautiful noise and gut-busting grooves. Working with the Melvins is always a special treat.”
‘Thunderball’ Tracklist
- King of Rome
- Vomit of Clarity
- Short Hair With A Wig
- Victory of the Pyramids
- Venus Blood
About the Melvins
Formed in 1983 in Montesano, Washington, the Melvins are one of modern music’s most influential bands. Founded by Buzz Osborne (vocals/guitar) with drummer Dale Crover joining a year later, the Melvins pioneered a genre-defying fusion of punk rock and heavy music. Over their four-decade career, they’ve released more than 30 original albums, countless live records, and numerous singles and rarities. Recent works include Tarantula Heart (2024), a dynamic showcase of the Melvins’ range where the songs were written after the recording, Bad Mood Rising (2022), an intense, sludge-infused exploration of their signature sound, and Five Legged Dog (2021), a 36-track acoustic retrospective that reimagines their heaviest songs alongside covers of favorite artists.
Known for their relentless creativity and collaborations with friends like Jello Biafra, Mudhoney, and Fantômas, the Melvins have circled the globe many times over, bringing their brash and genre-busting sounds to audiences worldwide.
Today’s Melvins lineup features Osborne, Crover, and Steven McDonald (Redd Kross), but the band’s history includes a variety of unique configurations. From the Osborne-Crover duo with Big Business’ Jared Warren and Coady Willis (Big Business) to a four-piece featuring the current line-up plus Butthole Surfers’ Jeff Pinkus, as well as Melvins Lite (with Mr. Bungle’s Trevor Dunn), the Melvins have embraced evolution and their roots simultaneously. Sometimes, you might even get the Melvins opening for the Melvins.
Thunderball is a testament to the Melvins’ enduring legacy of innovation, defiance, and musical exploration.
Featured image by Chris Casella.
LINKS:
https://www.melvins.com
https://www.instagram.com/melvinsdotcom
https://www.facebook.com/melvinsarmy