What’s up, guys? It’s about that time again. You now, your favorite day every couple of weeks where I tell you about some upcoming releases? Don’t act like you know what I’m talking about!
On their 16th full-length release, Napalm Death hit us with a different sort of grind via Throes of Joy In The Jaws of Defeatism. Always a band to take risks, this is a bit different than what most expect out of ND. That’s not saying that this ISN’T a Napalm Death record—it certainly is. Some of what is here would be considered “normal” for Napalm, you know, extreme riffage, some blasts and screamed vocals delivering lyrics rife with morality. What’s different you ask? TOJITJOD has one foot firmly planted in a sorta Killing Joke-esque vibe. There are some industrial parts scattered in here (another nod to Killing Joke), but this proves that after 40 years, Napalm Death is not content to rest on its laurels and retread the water they have in the past. I’m pecking into it. 9 Fucking Pecks.
Speaking of classic bands that have been around for a bit, Rhode Island’s politi-punkers DROPDEAD are releasing a self-titled album on their own Armageddon Label imprint. Anyone not familiar with this band needs to check it out immediately. After 22 years, singer Bob Otis’ voice is as nasty as ever. Twenty-three songs in 24 minutes should give you a clue of what this sounds like. Confrontational, political and brief are all on the menu here. Call this powerviolence, call this punk, call this whatever, but what it is, is ripping. No scenester bullshit here. 8 Fucking Pecks.
Bands that have been around forever is this week’s theme! Milwaukee’s Morta Skuld releases Suffer for Nothing. So, what about this? This is dirty as beak old-school death metal (the band formed 30 years ago). Cleaner production gives it a clarity that wasn’t really present in earlier releases. There are some “melodic” passages here and there (definitely not melodic in the traditional sense of death metal), raspy vocals, blasty type beats, dirty-assed riffage and some CRAZY solos. Breaking the mold is not really what this is all about, but in this case, that’s a great thing. 7 Fucking Pecks.
Waldo out!
