Released in May 1982, Junkyard's uncompromising contents signalled both the oncoming demise of the band responsible for them and rock and roll's logical conclusion. Harnessing the power of the Stooges' Funhouse' with the limitless possibilities offered by Captain Beefheart's 'Trout Mask Replica', the Birthday Party were a product of the uncertain times that created them - the unwitting soundtrack to a time of death, darkness and decay.