Napalm Death -- Smear Campaign (Century Media/2006)
The opener "Weltschmerz" is very slow -- a slow segue into an absolute
Grindcore frenzy! These Grind legends refuse to compromise their style
and
"slow down". Mitch Harris aiding in the backup vocal onslaught with
high
pitched screaming then "Barney" bellowing most of the way with guest
backup
by Anneke van Giersbergen (vocalist from "The Gathering").
In my opinion, no release will ever dominate over "Harmony Corruption"
--
the band's 1991 release featuring the legendary drummer in my mind Mick
Harris. Danny Herrera has definitely improved since "Utopia Banished"
but I
think no Grind drummer can replace Mick Harris. Definitely pick up
"Live
Corruption" on VHS that home video featuring Mick Harris (drums), Jesse
Pintado RIP (guitars), Mitch Harris (guitars) and Shane Embury (bass),
Mark
"Barney" Greenway (vocals).
"Smear Campaign" really was a "team" effort of pure Grindcore everyone
here
simply dominated! There is variety on this album though it isn't
completely
blast beating like "From Enslavement To Obliteration". It is really
catchy
riff-wise and I loved the variations in the vocal department. Mitch
Harris
and Shane Embury making great contributions in the songwriting (music)
and
Barney wrote some song lyrics as well.
The outro to this release was taken from Death's "Symbolic" song. . If
you
want to know some awesome tracks to listen to first before you purchase
this
then check out "Puritanical Punishment Beating", "Freedom Is The Wage
Of
Sin", "Sink Fast, Let Go", "Identity Crisis" and "Warped Beyond Logic".
They give you an idea of what to expect on this release! Own it now!!!
Rating: 7.5/10.
Line-up:
Mark "Barney" Greenway – Vocals
Shane Embury – Bass
Mitch Harris – Guitar, Backing vocals
Danny Herrera – Drums
Anneke van Giersbergen – Guest vocals on "Weltschmerz" and "In
Deference"
Track Listing:
1.) Weltschmerz – 1:27
2.) Sink Fast, Let Go – 3:22
3.) Fatalist – 2:50
4.) Puritanical Punishment Beating – 3:25
5.) When All Is Said And Done – 3:00
6.) Freedom Is the Wage of Sin – 3:08
7.) In Deference – 3:13
8.) Short-Lived – 3:05
9.) Identity Crisis – 2:43
10.) Shattered Existence – 3:10
11.) Eyes Right Out – 3:13
12.) Call That an Option? – 3:02
13.) Warped Beyond Logic – 1:59
14.) Rabid Wolves (For Christ) – 1:23
15.) Deaf And Dumbstruck (Intelligent Design) – 2:45
16.) Persona Non Grata – 2:46
17.) Smear Campaign – 2:47
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