Barely a year had passed since The Exploited's sonic Molotov cocktail, "Punks Not Dead," detonated across the UK. Thatcher's Britain was still reeling, unemployment lines still stretched into oblivion, and the stench of despair hadn't dissipated. But The Exploited weren't content with just one explosion; they were back in 1982 with "Troops of Tomorrow," ready to ignite a new wave of chaos.
"Troops of Tomorrow" wasn't a departure from the band's debut; it was an intensification. The guitars were even more razor-sharp, Wattie Buchan's vocals even more throat-shredding, the drums even more thunderous. This wasn't a band mellowing with age; they were doubling down on their sonic assault.
Lyrically, "Troops of Tomorrow" continued The Exploited's assault on authority and social injustice. Songs like "Jimmy Boyle" and "Daily News" railed against the prison system and the media's manipulation of the truth. The album's title track, a cover of a 1960s anti-war song, was a rallying cry against militarism and blind obedience. It became an anthem for the band's rebellious fanbase, who saw in it a reflection of their own frustrations with a society they felt was failing them.
The album also featured the controversial track "Sid Vicious Was Innocent," a tribute to the late Sex Pistols bassist and a critique of the media's portrayal of punk figures. The song sparked debate and further cemented The Exploited's reputation as a band unafraid to voice their opinions, no matter how unpopular they might be.
The Exploited's music remained firmly rooted in the punk genre, but they weren't afraid to experiment within those boundaries. "Alternative (Remix)" added a dub-infused twist to their sound, showcasing a willingness to explore new sonic territories while remaining true to their punk ethos. This experimentation resonated with fans who appreciated the band's refusal to be pigeonholed and their desire to push the boundaries of punk.
Controversy continued to swirl around The Exploited. Their image, a blend of punk fashion and violent imagery, along with lingering accusations of neo-Nazi sympathies (which the band repeatedly denied), kept them at the center of a maelstrom. But this only fueled their notoriety, solidifying their status as punk's enfant terribles. The controversy surrounding the band often overshadowed their music, but it also made them a talking point, ensuring that they remained in the public consciousness.
Recorded once again at Craighall Studios in Edinburgh, "Troops of Tomorrow" was a testament to the band's DIY approach. Produced by The Exploited themselves along with engineer Terry "Tezz" Roberts, the album captured the raw energy and aggression of their live performances. It was a sonic document of a band operating at the peak of their powers. The album's raw, unpolished sound became a hallmark of The Exploited's style, further endearing them to fans who valued authenticity over technical perfection.
While some critics dismissed "Troops of Tomorrow" as a retread of their debut, the album found a fervent following among punk fans who craved the band's uncompromising attitude and unfiltered rage. The album's influence extended beyond the UK, inspiring a new generation of punk bands across the globe. It solidified The Exploited's place in punk history as a band that not only captured the zeitgeist of their time but also helped shape the future of the genre.
