So it’s 2009 or it will be when this comes out. Prepare yourself for a year where we plummet into recession, where business collapses and so no doubt will one Government, allowing another to make the mess the last lot got us in even worse. Welcome to a year where terrorist attacks and crime in general increases. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” is a phrase that rings true (as does the one “He’s a right miserable bastard” that you throw in the direction of this particular scribe as you read this). So in effect it is the perfect time for Napalm Death to unleash a new album and I think this makes it studio album number 13, unlucky? Hardly when we are all fucked anyway.
There is little point me giving you more of an insight into Napalm Death by now I have said practically everything there is to say having been reviewing them on album and live since around ‘Enemy Of The Music Business.’ It has become apparent that over this time they have changed yet remained the same, if that makes any sense. The aggression is still very much there and if anything harder than ever, but musically it is as though they have taken things up a notch over the years and started writing more complete and competent songs. Yes songs with distinct identities that really jump out at you and stay in your head as they rip you a new asshole. There are plenty of these on here and although they have not particularly gone further in the Godfleshian, Swans direction that was hinted at end of last album ‘Smear Campaign’ there are tinges of this vibe to be found here.
Produced by Russ Russell this sounds absolutely fantastic even as a download coming from my computer speakers (a legal one via the label I should add and yes apparently this leaked onto the net in November). ‘Strong Arm’ delivers a hefty smack as the drums batter in, the guitars grind down, Barney gruffly barks and Mitch Harris high pitched backing yaps scream away in the background. Sure it’s pretty much business as usual but there is a slight doom laden passage lurking amongst the punk, grind onslaught and it is evident the band are just getting into the swing of things and easing us in to this 14 track rampage. ‘Work To Rule’ seems to take a classic punk strum and speed it up tenfold before slowing down and building up the gravity, it’s a real bruiser with its own distinct nuances.
The title track is absolutely blinding, it has that aforementioned ‘Persona Non Gratis,’ slow grandiose vibe with clean vocals bearing it along but rather than base the whole song on that pace counterpoises it with vicious flailing riffing that tears along and bowls you over. There’s the odd death grunt and doom laden passages too, this one really does have it all. To back this up they have ‘Life And Limb’ which has what I can only describe as an almost danceable chorus! Yep it has to be one of the catchiest Napalm songs in some time but fear not it’s hardly likely to dent the charts. Just when you think they cannot top all this along comes ‘Fallacy Dominion’ a track combining speed, doom, hooks and a maturity from the band that really puts them at the very top of their game.
This is one of those album that has such standout numberss that it practically warrants a track by track dissection, something I would never have expected to say ten years or so ago from this band. Rather than do this, summing up I can honestly say that this is extreme music at its very best and one that (sorry the pun) highlights the fact that Napalm Death are very much Leaders Not Followers. If you have been into them since ‘Scum’ you knew that anyway; if not leave those scenster brats with skinny jeans and designer haircuts alone and listen to some grown up music.
http://www.napalmdeath.org
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