Napalm Death

"The Code is Red... Long Live the Code"

Rating:                               

Reviewed by:

Sebastian Bullhorn

A new album by grindcore veterans Napalm Death, great. What is this now, their 47th? Wow, I can’t wait. Yawn…

That’s what my reaction was like when I first heard of “The Code Is Red”, although not quite as harsh. Sure, “Enemy Of The Music Business” was kind of a comeback and kicked a lot of ass but is there really still a place for this band in today’s scene?

Well, the answer is “Fuck yes!”

Seconds into the first song I’m convinced there’s nothing I’d rather do than listening to this album right now. Old-school, brutal, fun. Then, after two and a half minutes of proving they haven’t forgotten anything over the years, they slow down and let a morbid and ultra-heavy riff make “Silence Is Deafening” the perfect opener for the album since it has all the ingredients that make up the typical Napalm Death style.

The song “Right You Are” is good news for all the “Scum”-era fans. Short and angry, and one of my favorites on here. But those who mostly liked their 90s death metal also have plenty to choose from. This album has something for everybody. And those who love every phase of Napalm Death’s musical history equally should be in ecstasy. There’s grindcore, there’s death metal, there’s hardcore, there’s groove, there’s melody, there’s all you need.

There’s never a doubt you’re listening to Napalm Death at any point on this album, but you’re still confronted with some surprising new touches to their sound. Foremost there are the slow songs, “Morale” and “Our Pain Is Their Power”, at the end of the album, one rather doom-ish, the other one just nerve-wrecking and noisy.

Some riffs have a definite punk feel to them, providing the songs with a great memorability. I’m even reminded of black metal listening to some blast beat parts with high chords and dissonant riffing - like the opening riff of “Pledge Yourself To You”.

But the trademarks are all there: Heavily distorted guitar and bass belting out psychotic riffs, lots of ultra-fast blast beats interrupted by quick, short drum rolls and Barney’s unmistakable growls and screams.

Also worth mentioning is the fact they have some prominent guests on the album; Jello Biafra of Dead Kennedys fame, Hatebreed’s Jamey Jasta and Jeff Walker from Carcass sing/scream their way through some of the songs on here. Especially Jello shines on “The Great And The Good”. Who would have thought a voice like his would fit brutal grind-death so well? Not me, but listening to that song I almost wish he’d do a whole album like that.

Seems like I really underestimated Napalm Death’s musical open-mindedness. And it suits them damn well! The whole rather melodic approach to their music really does hit home. This coming from someone whose favorite Napalm Death records are still those from the 80’s. Which isn’t that conflicting, actually, come to think of it. Once you hear this album you’ll realize they haven’t turned soft by any means. It’s like a cross-section through all their albums, showcasing every aspect that once represented their sound, but spiced up with some new ideas that save them once again from becoming stale.

I’ve been bored with today’s’ extreme music scene for quite a while, but this album renews my hopes for the future of metal. Napalm Death stay true to the title of last year’s album, “Leaders, Not Followers”, and prove that they are indeed just that.

If you ever liked the band, or you’re generally into extreme music, there’s no way around this album. It rules (even down to the title). Buy it. And buy it fast so you’ll be able to enjoy the cool bonus track, “Losers”, that’s only on the limited edition, along with a video clip.

Artwork used with permission from Neverland Music Inc.