In keeping with the grindcore icons’ uncompromising M.O., Napalm Death’s 15th record is a torrent of deafening gore and radical politics that, upon prolonged exposure, reveals finely rendered intricacies and bold stylistic fusions. “Stubborn Stains” pivots on a Mitch Harris guitar part that shifts breathlessly from technical precision to whirling thrash. Violently plodding and creepily psychedelic, “Dear Slum Landlord ...” is a death march and chant that eviscerates greedy slimeballs. As for “Smash a Single Digit,” it’s beyond impenetrable, like a half-dozen screamo and hardcore ragers all crammed in one monstrous moshfest.
- Carcass
- Morbid Angel
- Bolt Thrower
- Entombed
- Suffocation