Napalm Death - Smear Campaign
Another Napalm Death album??? These guys have been ridiculously productive since they left Earache after 1999’s Words from the Exit Wound
In recent years, Napalm Death have reverted towards their original grindcore sound and away from the death metal they flirted with in the ’90s. But they aren’t just churning out the 30-second micro-songs of yore. If the band has learned anything from its long and varied career, it’s how to switch up feels. These songs smoothly rotate through blastbeats, chugging riffs, thrash grooves, and even hardcore-based two-stepping. In fact, “When All Is Said and Done” is pretty much a straight-up two-step, with some half-speed transitions that remind me of Biohazard (in a good way).
Danny Herrera is much to credit for this. He plays with amazing energy and has a knack for varying beats to spice up what are often simple riffs. He’s often overlooked amongst his more “glamorous” bandmates, but he’s really the engine powering the machine. Everyone else pulls his weight, though. Shane Embury fires off nicely rumbling riffs, Barney Greenway sounds as pissed off as ever, and he and Mitch Harris have a great “Papa bear, little bear” vocal interaction in the grand grindcore tradition.
When All Is Said and Done
In Deference
One of the selling points of this album is the guest appearance by Anneke van Giersbergen (of The Gathering) on “In Deference.” It’s interesting, though not earth-shattering. She adds some gothic atmosphere, and that’s about it. It’s good, though, that the band is still willing to experiment. Much more compelling is the beautifully textured artwork by Mick Kenney (of Mistress and Anaal Nathrakh notoriety). This package is quality through and through – pick it up
