Troops of Tomorrow

Troops of Tomorrow is the second studio album by Scottish punk rock band The Exploited, released in 1982 through Secret Records. Known for their raw, high-energy punk sound, The Exploited’s sophomore album follows in the footsteps of their debut Punks Not Dead (1981), with a heavier political edge and an even more aggressive style. The album blends fast-paced punk anthems with dark, anti-authoritarian lyrics, continuing the band’s unapologetic defiance against societal norms.

The standout track of the album, “U.S.A.,” is a quintessential punk anthem that critiques the political and social issues in the United States during the early 1980s. The song encapsulates the band’s abrasive style and confrontational attitude, giving a direct commentary on global tensions. The video for “U.S.A.” is equally iconic, beginning with a dramatic intro reflecting on punk rock as a reactionary force against the mainstream. The video then transitions to live footage of the band performing energetically on stage, with bassist Gary McCormack, guitarist Big John Duncan, and drummer Danny Heatley bringing raw intensity to the track. The occasional street scenes in Scotland capture the band’s rebellious spirit, mixing humor with a sense of defiance.

During an interview following the song, lead singer Wattie talks candidly about punk’s survival, stating, “it never died!” This comment underscores the enduring power of the punk movement, despite criticism or attempts to suppress it. Wattie also addresses the controversy surrounding the band’s use of fascist imagery in their earlier days, particularly the swastika armbands, explaining that it was a deliberate shock tactic aimed at provoking the older generation.

The swastika imagery was used by some punk bands in the late 1970s and early 1980s as a form of anti-establishment provocation, rather than any political allegiance. It was part of punk’s broader strategy of challenging authority and shocking mainstream society. However, The Exploited were often caught up in the controversy surrounding this imagery, which led to misunderstandings about their ideological stance. In their later years, they moved away from such provocative symbols as they became more focused on punk’s original anti-authoritarian roots.

Musically, Troops of Tomorrow is filled with fast, thrashy songs that remain staples of The Exploited’s discography. Tracks like “Rival Leaders” and the title track “Troops of Tomorrow” feature thrumming bass lines and breakneck guitar riffs, creating the high-energy sound that became synonymous with the band. Lyrically, the album explores themes of disillusionment, political unrest, and the struggle against societal oppression, making it both a product of its time and a timeless punk classic.

Troops of Tomorrow solidified The Exploited’s position as one of the most influential punk bands of the early ’80s. Despite the controversy over their past use of fascist imagery, the album’s message remains clear: a call to arms for punk to continue resisting the establishment and to never back down in the face of adversity.