Apex Predator - Easy Meat

One of metal's many bands that requires no introduction, the almighty Napalm Death, have, true to their ethos of consistency, released another solid collection of politically-charged grindcore mayhem. It cannot be denied that Embury and co. have never really stuck a foot out of line - from the vulgar blast of "Scum" right through to the more structurally extended "Time Waits For No Slave". Musically, the grind legend's 2015 release can be seen as a tactical step backwards - but the ideology and atmosphere behind the music pushes the band relentlessly forward.

The atmosphere I refer to is one of uneasy disquietude and inevitable dread. The excellent title-track is what sets up this convention, and is easily the greatest intro of the decade; both anxiously exciting and beautifully disturbing. It prepares the listener perfectly for the inaugural fury of the album's first single: "Smash A Single Digit"; a minute and a half throwback to the glorious "From Enslavement..." days. Despite the fact that the chorus is simply the title repeated over and over, Barney throws in enough rhythmic variety to keep it interesting - such is the success of similar tracks like "How The Years Condemn" and "Adversarial".

The production does a stirring job of maintaining the atmosphere. The kit is heightened by a metallic clang, the guitar/bass combo is vicious and buzzsaw-esque, and Barney's vocals are crushingly malicious, as per usual. I've heard some complaints about effects being applied to the vocals, but he sounds just as brutal onstage so I have no idea what evidence those claims are based on.

It's refreshing to hear the veterans continue to experiment with unusual sounds. The previously-mentioned title-track contains some eerie vocal warblings which reminds one of Gregorian chanting. The dirge-like "Dear Slum Landlord" is oddly sludgy, and makes for a welcome change of pace. And the irregular, almost jazzy time signatures that are sprinkled throughout the album are entertaining to say the least.

"Apex Predator - Easy Meat" is a brief affair - almost disappointingly so. I understand grindcore is never a genre renowned for its extensive and drawn out structures, but Napalm Death might be doing themselves a disservice by stepping back towards the shorter, violent bursts that populated their debut. Both "Utilitarian" and "Time Waits..." displayed their capabilities to push the envelope of grindcore. However, this newest release remains satisfying, despite the lack of progression. Probably because Napalm Death achieved 'legendary' status a while ago and are beyond such qualms.

From the original cover art, through the political ideologies, right to the chunky barrage of dissonant riffage and controlled blast beats - this is good ol' Greenway and co. at their most frenzied. Napalm Death never require an introduction, and this album doesn't require my recommendations for you to get out there and purchase it. Give them your money - but avoid the multinational corporations, if you know what's good for you.

Tenderize chunks of a weakling.
Claim on bare bones for bleaching.
Thousand-yard stares for the meeting.