Review by Felix on October 26, 2025.

Without sounding like Dissection, Gama Bomb have a close eye on an everflowing stream of releases. After the not completely convincing "Bats" in 2023, they came up with a single in 2024 and six months ago they released this EP: "Necronomicon Automaton". Generally speaking, not much has changed. Philly is still an important, almost unique factor at the mic, the light-footed tracks spread an exciting, but never violent atmosphere and the sound is very professional. Dynamic tempo changes give an extra portion of fun, a word which can be used with clear conscience when it comes to the Irish jesters.

So yes, everyone who is familiar with the sound of Gama Bomb will identify this EP as another release of the band immediately. Okay, it seems that the boisterous fury of "The Terror Tapes" will never return. But even the somewhat more mature approach (which is more or less natural considering the fact that the band is already 23 years active) leaves room for some high speed outbursts. The material gives me the impression that the dudes focus more on shrill, cutting parts than they did on "Bats". Good idea. All of the four songs contribute to the homogeneous appearance of the EP and there is no weak part if we forget a few odd vocal lines in the bridge of the opener. But Philly also delivers some of his appreciated high-pitched screams and so everything is okay with the vocals.

The aforementioned opener "Nunchucks!" is not bad, but it cannot fully compete with the following tracks. The generic metal riffing at the beginning of "Intror The Deceiver" indicates a more traditional approach, but naturally not traditional concerning the vocals. Anyway, even when Gama Bomb discover their old school affinity, they always give the songs an individual touch. One can realize it, for example, in the solos. All of them walk the fine line between spontaneity and intelligence, in other words, all of them spread a fresh breeze and make sense. By the way, spontaneity and intelligence characterize the entire career and material of this band.

What is left to say? Gama Bomb still cruise somewhere between Tankard and Turbonegro. Compare "Necropanzer" with "Dude Without A Face" and you can find similarities during the spooky parts. All in all, a mega-hit is missing on this EP, but it is a cool little sign of life from a band that definitely enriches the global metal scene.

Rating: 7.7 out of 10