Customer Reviews

Smear Campaign

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Napalm Death has been an active band since 1981. Originally formed as a Crass-style punk band, they eventually took the British hardcore sound (ala Discharge and others) and created one of the fastest, most extreme sounds ever. What they created was called grindcore, and 25 years later the band is still on the cutting edge of extreme music.

There have been a lot of line up changes in the quarter of a century that Napalm Death has existed. There wasn't an original member in the band by the time their first LP, Scum, came out in 1987. The current lineup has been fairly solid since the early 90's, and the only recent change was the departure of Jesse Pintado a few years ago (RIP). After the lineup change, they opted to remain a four piece.

Smear Campaign marks the second studio album the band has done as a four piece and the second album the band has put out for Century Media. It is the best grindcore album they have done since Utopia Banished. Napalm Death did invent grindcore, but a lot of the albums that they put out in the mid 90's were basically death metal. Since Enemy of the Music Business was released, the albums have been more and more grind-infused. Smear Campaign is the epitome of grindcore - tons of blast beats, scathing vocals, and a pace and feel that draws more from punk and british hardcore than it does from metal.

The sound on Smear Campaign spans the entire career of Napalm Death. There are tracks that would be at home on Utopia Banished or From Enslavement to Obliteration, yet they do not sound dated or really even retro. The sound is timeless. While they are faster and their songwriting abilities have increased tenfold since the old days, they have never lost that dirty crust element that has been a hallmark of not only Napalm Death, but of the grindcore scene in general.

For years Napalm Death opened each new album with an intro, and Smear Campaign follows that tradition. The previous ones were generally a nice way to get things going and build up the listener to the level of intensity that he or she needed to be at before all hell broke loose and the first song started. "Weltschmerz" is no different, with a minute and twenty seven seconds of an ominous guitar line and assorted other sounds that come to a head with Anneke Van Giersbergen adding an eerie female vocal sound to the background. The band immediately goes for the throat as "Sink Fast, Lets Go" explodes into machine gun blast beats and furious guitars. The vocals are as extreme as ever, with liberal use of high screams mixed in with the trademark Greenway guttoral assault. The album continues on at a breakneck pace with the occasional fast paced breakdown and hooks that Napalm death is known for thrown in. "When All is Said and Done" slows down just a hair and is one of the catchier songs on the album, with less in the way of blastbeats and mind-numbing speed but brutal nonetheless. From there the onslaught continues at a furious pace.

There are only a few more places where the band changes things up. One is on "In Deference" where Anneke Van Giersbergen makes another appearance with a vocal delivery that while melodic and almost haunting, mixes very well with Barney's growls and screams. The other is on the album-closer "Smear Campaign" which incorporates a slow-paced, almost doomy sound with some clean vocals. The remaining tracks, however, rarely slow down.

5 stars is a strong score, but one that Smear Campaign deserves. The album is a culmination of a quarter of a century worth of development and innovation. Fans of any era of Napalm Death will be able to identify with this album and the political message is as strong and in your face as ever. How can a band not get 5 stars for an album that is the very definition of grindcore? It captures the intensity of their furious live shows while combining the best elements of their discography. Someone go dust off the crown, because the fathers of grindcore are ready to take their place on the throne for all time. Long live the kings of grind!

Let me start by saying that I'm so glad Napalm Death decided to write an album about religion really being the main reason our world is so screwed up today. They didn't just do it in one song, they did it throughout the course of a whole album. One might wonder if things would become redundant throughout the course of the album, but I'm here to tell you they don't. Each song works as a cohesive unit in the context of the album's concept. This album has 16 destructive songs that make the listener think while their ears are being constantly shredded to pieces by this grind machine. These songs speak on many levels:

There is the intellectual level of Barney and Shane's lyrics working within each song. There is also the level of raw power of a finely-sharpened machine destroying everything in its path. Mitch and Shane have really written some of their best-sounding riffs on this album. No disrespect to Jesse Pintado (RIP), but Napalm Death always should have been a 4-piece. Their sound is so much more agitated and more stripped-down with 1 guitar, which is why I loved the 'Mentally Murdered' EP so much (the best thing this band has ever done).

Finally, there is the expert level of their craft, the one that speaks the loudest on this album. These guys have been doing this for over 20 years and they know what does and doesn't work. Not that any of them probably care or much less think about that when they produce their songs, but this album is just a closed-fist, brass knuckled punch to the face of the religious "right" and just when we needed organized religion to get a proper slobberknocker.

I've been a fan of theirs for many years and get excited whenever I hear about a new album or about them coming around on tour. As listeners, we want music to not just make sound, but make sound for us or to speak to us, and Napalm Death always achieves that with every album they make.

Smear Campaign is Napalm Death's best record in a decade. I'm not saying that their records since 1996 have been subpar, far from it. But, Smear Campaign is their most focused arsenal of grindcore in a long time. Barney is in top form and sounds as if he's going to jump through your speakers and throttle you. You can tell that this is the subject matter (religion) that Greenway has wanted to tackle in-depth for a long time. Puritanical Punishment Beating may be the best song that Napalm Death has ever recorded. That's a bold statement but everything clicks on this showcase track from a nasty array of riffs to signiture time changes and raging vox. As usual, Shane Embury holds the madness together with his stellar bass work and Danny Herrera continues to amaze with his super human blast beats. Mitch Harris seems to work better alone because since the departure and untimely death of Jesse Pintado, Harris seems to have stepped up his playing and carried Napalm on his shoulders. Anyway, this is a must have for ND fans and grindcore fans in general...an inspired effort.

Tracks Ranked 1-10:
1. Weltschmerz (5/10) but just an intro...
2. Sink Fast, Let Go (8.5/10)
3. Fatalist (9/10)
4. Puritanical Punishment Beating (11/10)
5. When All Is Said and Done (9/10)
6. Freedom Is the Wage of Sin (9/10)
7. In Deference (10/10)
8. Short-Lived (9/10)
9. Identity Crisis (8.5/10)
10. Shattered Existence (9.5/10)
11. Eyes Right Out (9/10)
12. Warped Beyond Logic (8.5/10)
13. Rabid Wolves (For Christ)(10/10)
14. Deaf and Dumbstruck (Intelligent Design)(10/10)
15. Persona Non Grata (9/10)
16. Smear Campaign (9.5/10)

It's always cool when a band's newest album is among their best, but it's downright awesome when a band that's over two decades old is still producing some of its finest work. There's no doubt that on "Smear Campaign," Napalm Death's thirteenth full-length studio effort since forming in 1982, they sound as hungry, angry, committed, vitalized, and inspired as ever. Yes, there are a few experimental aspects here, but aside from the restrained opening track, "Weitschmerz," which features a brief use of acoustic guitars and organ-like keyboards, and melodic female vocals (contributed by The Gathering's Anneke van Giersbergen) on "In Deference," this disc is every bit as brutal and extreme as anything these seminal grindcore gods have ever recorded (including last year's "The Code Is Red...Long Live The Code").

About 95 percent of this album is an uncompromising, ferociously crushing, take-no-prisoners onslaught. Many of the songs are even somewhat reminiscent of the "Scum"era (circa 1987). They are relentless in their immensely vitriolic, bludgeoning delivery (frighteningly fast tempos and devastating brutality). The musicianship is, as always, very tight: Skinsman Danny Herrera unleashes over-driven, hyper-speed, earthquake blast beats, and Mitch Harris must have worked his fingers down to the bone while recording his guitar parts. The riffs are positively smoking and the leads are just ridiculous. (In fact, they're usually so fast that the listener doesn't hear any actual notes--you just hear a black whirlwind of guitars.) Then Barney's belligerent, unintelligible vocals (blood-curdling, Discordance Axis-style screams and full-bodied death metal bellows), and scathing, anti-nearly-everything lyrics are added. And, lastly, the record's production is no where near as thick as the production on "The Code," so it also helps contribute to the raw, primal urgency.

"Sink Fast, Let Go" is one of numerous tracks here that's populated by piercing, high pitched shrieks, a frenetic, pummeling, guitar-driven rhythm, and rapid, smashing double bass work. "Fatalist" is another scorcher, and is highlighted by a lightning fast tempo change and more insane drumming. "Puritanical Punishment Beaging," which works up a frothing, almost deafening intensity, is another highlight, and so are the avalanche of steam-rolling riffs on "Freedom Is The Wage Of Sin."

But not every track is as maniacal and overwhelming. The restrained heaviness of "Freedom Is The Wage Of Sin" adds some great, strategic texture to the album, and "Short-Lived," "Identity Crisis," and "Eyes Right Out" all begin at the speed of light, but then an excellent, well-placed tempo change kicks in and takes the songs down to mid-tempo territory. Lastly, "Warped Beyond Logic" works in reverse order of those three songs because it begins fairly slowly but works its way up to a blinding speed with buzzsaw riffs and teeth-shaking blasts.

In short, Napalm Death are as strong now as they were twenty-four years ago, and they show absolutely no sign of slowing down or aging. "Smear Campaign" could use a few more hooks, individually memorable riffs, and standout tracks, but that doesn't stop it from being one of the best death metal/grindcore albums released so far this year, Napalm Death's finest effort in at least six years, and a mandatory purchase for all extreme/underground music fans.

I honestly don't know how these guys continue to push the envelope of extreme music after 20 years in the biz. Having that much ire in your bloodstream can't be good for you either, but the boys from Birmingham have succeeded in producing another fist-to-the-face album. Smear Campaign is quite possibly the strongest Napalm Death album to come along since their split with Earache in 1998.

Mixing the savage rage of The Code Is Red with the more angular and experimental sounds of (the highly underrated) Diatribes, there is never a dull moment on Smear Campaign. Barney's vicious bark is in fine form as he tears and shreds away at the evils perpetuated by oppressive governments everywhere. Shane, Mitch, and Danny keep the music bombastic and turbulent, never letting up on the dial. Blast beats mingle with the most brutal and pit-inducing breakdowns ever to curse the planet. Hardcore has got nothing on Napalm.

Smear Campaign moves at such a brisk pace that when the 16(!) tracks are over and done with, the desire for more becomes a manic need. Napalm Death has outdone themselves yet again, surpassing the incredibly high bar they set for themselves with The Code Is Red. Quite possibly the most spirited and focused album of their long and celebrated career.

Being ground into hamburger by an 18 wheeler - that is what this feels like. Pulverizing is the only word that can describe this - absolutely pulverizing. What else can I say - if you take the bombast of early ND (SCUM, FETO, etc), and mix it with a bit of the groove/breakdown and complexity/experimentation of Fear Emptiness, Despair then throw in a TRUCKLOAD of rage, this is what you get. I really think the most brutal of death and black metal bands could only dream of being able to create something this devastating. This stuff would send your Glen Bentons, David Vincents, Michael Amotts, and Billy Steers crawling back to the drawing boards with their tails dragging between their legs. (BTW - Glen Benton has a pointed tail). Just my opinion, but if pure insanity is what you seek, and your just not finding it, this is probably what you are direly looking for.

Puritanical Punishment Beating is one standout track (among many).

This album is one of their best releases ever. Every Napalm Death fan will know that for sure. Those other naysayers that have nothing better to do but bitch about grind core aggressive death metal are full of crap. Long live Napalm Death. This one is for Jesse Pintado. I am sure he would have been glad with the wall of sounds that this album delivers. Thoughout the album one can almost see one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse riding out of the bleak horizon this reality has to offer to every maggot that crawl this earth as Barney and company make you Sink Fast and Let go!!!!!! Thank you again Napalm Death for the music and inspiration.

Much has been documented about Napalm Death's return to grinding, blasting form since their 'Enemy of the Music Business' album of 2001. Having heard that album soon after its release, I could hear the band was genuine in its intention of returning to the more intense, extreme type of sound that put latter day Napalm Death -i.e. Barney Greenway era - on the musical map. Since that album, the band has released album after album of such intensity & brutality, each gaining a substantial amount of positive press & reviews, including the album reviewed here, the 'Smear Campaign' album of 2006.

Having read many reviews of the album prior to hearing it, the main focus was always on the album's intense, uncompromising delivery, & the band's brutally honest intention to absolutely shred. So then, while listening to the album, it is clear & unmistakable that it certainly lives up to that reputation. The album starts with a bleak sounding instrumental, 'Weltschmerz', which is rather musical & moving, as well as methodically mid tempo in serving as a prelude to what follows it.....because then starts the shredding. With the second track, 'Sink Fast, Let Go', begins the uncompromising assault that the band has made its trademark once again. What you get here is the trademark blistering & intense grindcore/death metal that only Napalm Death know how to deliver, with good song structure, strong captivating riffs, & good variation throughout each song, never boring the listener. This skillful & punishing delivery continues as the album rages on with songs like 'Fatalist', the ambitiously titled but convincing 'Puritanical Punishment Beating', & one of the highlights of the album, 'When All Is Said & Done', with its strong chorus line. While each song may follow a slightly different formula in terms of arrangement, there is always good variation in riffing & tempos, from blast sections, to thrashing parts, to mid-tempo heavy breakdowns.

As this assault continues song after song, there is no doubt this album is living up to the acclaim the many reviews praised it with in terms of intensity & conviction in the music. There is something else though, that becomes just as evident which is not so positive.....& that is the production. What is soon noticeable from the first song is that the album has a rather dry, dead sounding production. Its not that it lacks power, there's certainly a powerful sound here, but there isn't any of that 'live' feel that was present on albums like 'Harmony Corruption', or 'Utopia Banished'. Instead the album has a somewhat more 'industrial' sound in terms of production. Everything sounds boxed in, dried out & muted. This is most evident with the way the vocals were mixed, as they have that muted, processed sound that is characteristic of the way 'industrial' heavy music is recorded. At first listen, I thought it may have just been an effect the band & producer attempted with the first one or two songs, but disappointingly though, it continues for the entire album. The question that begs then is, if there was an idea to experiment with a somewhat more industrial sounding production, why not commit one or two songs to that? Why the whole bloody album? Most disappointing I must say, as this is not a step in the right direction if the band is to stay true its musical origins & the fans of the earlier albums.

Having said that though, the production & sound aspects are not a complete failure. The mix is quite competent in that most instruments can be clearly heard, except the bass guitar. Additionally, the sound in general is punchy, crisp & powerful enough. The guitars boast a heavy crunching sound, & the drums have a good punchy sound, although it loses some of its punch noticeably when the drums switch to faster blast sections, but not to the point of failure, & it is after all a common challenge with mixing drums when recording extreme grind or death metal.

Barney's vocals sound somewhat like a throwback to those on 'Utopia Banished', in that they are a semi-growled, semi-shouted vocal style similar to those on that album. Nonetheless, Barney has extended his vocal range to include high pitched screeching & some rare clean vocal sections, all of which are competently perfomed, adding a plus to the vocals.

I seem to find the best songs are tracks 7-10, with track seven, 'In Deference', possibly being the album's most memorable song, largely due to a most effective & memorable middle section, featuring guest vocals from Anneke from The Gathering.

Generally, although this is a good album, it's not one of Napalm Death's best, & when deciding to listen to the band's musical output during the Barney Greenway era, I'd instead be listening to 'Harmony Corruption' or 'Mass Appeal Madness'.

Is it just me, or is it the fact that Napalm Death just keep getting better with every album they blast out. Man, I just love these guys to death. They are one of the greatest and most legendary bands not just in grindcore and death metal, but in extreme music overall. Their latest release 2006's "Smear Campaign" is an absolute ferocious, loud, raging, bludgeoning assault to your senses, and to me this is also the best Napalm Death album thus far. There's no doubt that these guys keep getting better with age, and believe me this album is proof. "Smear Campaign" features sixteen scorching tracks of pure smashing, ferocious, bludgeoning, brutality, what more could you ask for? Frontman Barney Greenway's vocals are just nasty, raging and all out vicious as he goes from frightening high-pitched blood-curdling screams to absolute full-bodied death bellows that are just loaded with plenty of rage and agression. I mean, he sounds like he's going to jump right out of your stereo speakers and throttle you just like that. This guy is always on top form when it comes to his vocals. Mitch Harris's riffs are just ferocious and grindingly fast and heavy, and his leads are just crazy and insane. Shane Embury's basslines are heavy and powerful, while skinsman Danny Herrera unleashes and bashes out smashing, insane, superhuman blast beats that will just smash and pound the listener's body to the ground. The album starts off with a 1:28 intro called "Weltschmerz" which includes brief accoustic guitars, organ-style keyboards, and some nice female vocals by The Gathering's Anneke van Giersbergen. Then, all of a sudden, we're thrusted into the smashing second track "Sink Fast, Let Go" which features frightening, piercing high-pitched shrieks, fast grinding buzzsaw riffs, and smashing bludgeoning blast beats. My favorite part is where Barney is barking out the line "SINK FAST, LET GO, SINK FAST, LET GO" over the fast riffing and smashing drums. Another favorite of mine "Fatalist" has more fast insane drumwork, and some fast tempo changes. Next up, we have track four and my favorite song on here, "Puritanical Punishment Beating" which features an absolute nasty barrage of bludgeoning riffs, pounding drums beats and raging vocals. Other favorites on here included "Freedom is the Wage of Sin", "When All is Said and Done", "Deaf and Dumbstruck (Intelligent Design)", "Rabid Wolves (For Christ)", "Identity Crisis", "Shattered Existence" and "Short-Lived". Please read on for my song ratings:
Jeremy's song ratings:
1. Weltschmerz (1:28) - 4/5
2. Sink Fast, Let Go (3:23) - 5/5
3. Fatalist (2:51) - 5/5
4. Puritanical Punishment Beating (3:26) - 5/5 My Favorite Song
5. When All is Said and Done (3:01) - 5/5
6. Freedom is the Wage of Sin (3:09) - 5/5
7. In Deference (3:14) - 5/5
8. Short-Lived (3:06) - 5/5
9. Identity Crisis (2:44) - 5/5
10. Shattered Existence (3:11) - 5/5
11. Eyes Right Out (3:12) - 5/5
12. Warped Beyond Logic (2:00) - 5/5
13. Rabid Wolves (For Christ) (1:24) - 5/5
14. Deaf and Dumbstruck (Intelligent Design) (2:46) - 5/5
15. Persona Non Grata (2:47) - 5/5
16. Smear Campaign (3:20) - 5/5

Overall, "Smear Campaign" is an absolute must-have for any fan of Napalm Death, grindcore, death metal, or just extreme heavy music in general. In my view, this would be one album that Jesse Pintado would definately be proud of. BUY THIS ALBUM NOW!! LONG LIVE NAPALM DEATH!!

all i need to say about this album is it's heavy as hell!this guys are always more angrier BRUTAL,HEAVY,hell they are more than heavy.Napalm death are sure the kings of grindcore they are the loudest angriest heaviest band out there.Why are you even reading this,if your'e a napalm death fan than sure as hell get this.Like i said it's heavy brutal and loud!!!This guys make six feet under look like little children singing barney songs.THE KINGS OF GRINDCORE RULE!