The Anarcho-punk legends from Wales are back with a vengeance!
This band require little or no introduction, but for the uninitiated, here’s a brief history; Icons Of Filth are based in Cardiff in Wales and are one of the most well-respected Anarcho-punk bands in the UK. Formed in 1979, this political band took the world by storm, with their influential singles and album, ‘Onwards Christian Soldiers‘. They reformed in the 90s, releasing a comeback record called ‘Nostredamnedus‘ but sadly, their frontman, Stig, passed away unexpectedly in 2004. He was truly one of the most intense singers on the circuit, so he left a big gap in the punk scene.
Icons Of Filth in recent years have been keeping their name alive, and ‘Time Of The Signs‘ is their second release on Grow Your Own Records, since their 10-inch mini album, ‘Plight‘. I saw them play live with this line-up around 10 years ago, when they played in Brighton at the annual Get On With It Festival, and I can report that they had lost none of their power! Incidentally, they are also making a rare appearance at G.Y.O Festival in Hastings this year, on Saturday 7th November.
Icons Of Filth are:
Lance – Vocals
Daffy – Guitars
Fish – Bass
Dan – Drums
The name of the new album, ‘Time Of The Signs‘, I’m guessing is no reference whatsoever to a classic Prince album from 1987? As usual, Grow Your Own Records have put together a nice package. This mammoth 18-track album comes housed in a cover featuring art by the late and legendary punk artist, Squeal. It’s also on limited black vinyl, including lyric sheet, an A2 poster, a postcard and sew-on patch. A limited glass-mastered CD is available too, along with a download purchase option.
I’m not going to run through all the eighteen songs on this album, but I will give you an overview of my thoughts and highlights. Rest assured, there’s not a bad song on this record. Track one is called ‘Feedback‘, a song with an ecological message. This song is a fast one, which owns the kind of massive guitar riff we know the band for. It’s about big bosses running companies, appearing to want the general public’s feedback, while polluting our waters (and the rest of the planet) and reaping their big bonuses.
This album’s namesake song, ‘Time Of The Signs‘, is a highlight for me. It’s another song with a great guitar line, and the band sound as tight as they ever were. This song lays out many of the problems we face in the world today, like our reliance on the internet and social media, and how it’s being used to manipulate people. A society where truth and facts mean absolutely nothing. I’ve honestly never known a world so crazy, and ‘Time Of The Signs‘ tries to make some sort of sense out of the madness.
The brilliantly titled ‘Arseholier‘ goes down the modern hardcore route, and ‘Bombing For Democracy‘ is metal tinged with a furious backbeat, commentating on a world that has “No empathy.” ‘Enemy Of The Truth‘ is a fast hardcore tune, where Lance’s vocals almost sound like Jello Biafra. A tune to raise your devil’s horn salute to, as it slides into a metallic breakdown.
‘Hate This Country‘ is another highlight and is a damning statement on how our country is run. Throughout this album, there are short musical pieces that segue into songs called, ‘I’m Your Ideology 1.0 / 0.1‘ and so on. Most of them begin in a modern rap style, before hitting the punk button. It’s an original idea that links things together nicely.
‘Totally Fucked‘ tells the powers that be that “You profit while we drown”, and ‘Addict Me‘ gets metal in style again, reminding me of the industrial sounds of Ministry. “Addict me, because I’m your target market,” they rage. The album’s last song is called ‘Your Government Hates You’, which says a lot really. ‘Time Of The Signs‘ is a great album, giving us that distinctive Icons Of Filth sound, but with a modern twist. A band that has not lost any of their ferocious bite!
Out now, be sure to grab your copy of ‘Time Of The Signs‘ from HERE
Catch Icons Of Filth live:
29th August 2026 – Bradford 1 in 12 for Calder Valley Hunt Sabs – Tickets
7th November 2026 – The Pig, Hastings – Tickets
Main Photo Credit: DAVE GEE
1. Feedback
2. Time Of The Signs
3. Arseholier
4. Bombing For Democracy
5. Enemy Of The Truth
6. Hate This Country
7. I’m Your Ideology 1.0
8. Civil Disservice
9. Down On Your Knees
10. I’m Your Ideology 1.1
11. Totally Fucked
12. Addict Me
13. Payday Loans
14. Killing For Pleasure
15. Working
16. I’m Your Ideology 0.1
17. Stay Away From Me
18. Your Government Hates You
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I have been writing reviews for Brighton & Hove News, and more recently Vive Le Rock magazine for a few years now. Previously, I could be spotted playing drums for many a band over the decades. A noisy habit developed whilst wearing short trousers at school, and one that has had me touring around the UK and Europe. Punk rock is my life, but I am also quite eclectic. I am an avid gig go-er and music devourer, and can feel out of sorts if a gig date is not on the horizon. I have also been known to put gigs on myself in order to fill those gaps.
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