While there have been many incredible rock bands that have passed through the On Request Magazine vault recently, none have quite grabbed our attention in such a theatric and interesting way as Southern Californian's very own Kranken Welpen. Utilizing their German and Hungarian roots to infuse heavy metal and polka music, (yes, we're serious, polka music), this band has broken through the throngs of submissions we receive daily to make a standout debut that is not to be missed. Comprised of the husband/wife duo Professor Slaughter and Karpathia "Chaos", and bringing in amazing guitarists and even accordion players, this album is the collective genius of bands such as Slipknot, Disturbed, and Sumo Cyco with a pinch of Weird Al humor for good measure. The sound captured in tracks such as "EMF", "Yellow Cake" and "Drunken Sled Dog" make this unique band stand out in more ways than the titles. From the heavy riffs to the way in which the vocals change easily from melodic polka/folk tones to intense, face-melting metal rock, Kranken Welpen is one of those bands you have to listen to, for it is something that comes around once in a lifetime. Capturing the sounds of what they deem "Ze Old Country", this band not only infuses two unique genres of music, but humor and theatrical performances as well. To equate them with a band's performance nature such as GWAR would be an understatement. Cornering the market on the polka/metal scene, Kranken Welpen is sure to make a huge impression on anyone who takes the time to listen, and is a band not to be missed. Make sure to pick up your copy of Kranken Welpen's album now!