Plizzken is a new outfit fronted by Sebi Walkenhorst,of Stomper 98 fame. With Plizzken, he brings his long standing punk rock roots to an album full of thumping anthems and furious but calculated songwriting. Joined by the guitarist/singer Silvio Schlesier, this debut has Walkenhorst singing entirely in English for the first time, and the songs thankfully aren't subjected to any studio trickery or overproduction.

“Wasted” starts the listen with visceral drums and firm guitar work as the biting vocals guide a primal energy that certainly channels the early days of punk rock. This approach continues to the gruff and charged “Street Education” as well as the highly melodic and swirling climate of “Breakout.”

Some of the best tunes are packed in the middle, including the hard hitting yet tuneful hardcore nods of the title track, while “Dear All Happy People” will absolutely appeal to the Oi! crowd with its memorable guitar licks and bouncy delivery. “Stay Away,” a late album standout, then offers the perfect mix of punk, hardcore, and rock 'n' roll in a soaring masterpiece that embraces gang vocals.

Entering the end, “Killed By Time” leads with talking in German before a blistering pace is met with strategic organ, and “Unwanted” finishes the listen with a speedy version of street-punk that would go great with a Rancid, Cock Sparrer, or Bishops Green record.

  …And Their Paradise Is Full Of Snakes was penned during a prolific flurry of songwriting sessions between Walkenhorst and Schlesier, and it captures raw, passionate, and inspirational song craft that sure does parallel the greatness achieved by Stomper 98. Abrasive but tuneful, and socially and politically relevant, all fans of punk, Oi!, hardcore, and street punk would be wise to spend quality time with Plizzken.

Rating: A-

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