NAPALM DEATH

Time Waits For No Slave

Century Media/ CD

There's only few really trustworthy bands on extreme metal scene and British NAPALM DEATH is definitely on the list. Over the years they have proven themselves to be one of the most honest and uncompromising bands that have ever existed on this planet and there's probably no force in the universe that could stop them or at least soften their balls. It's no wonder that almost each album recorded by these Birmingham boys turned out to be a classic one...

The newest offering of mighty NAPALM DEATH entitled "Time Waits for No Slave" is set to be released in the second half of January 2009. Standard version of the album contains fourteen tracks, a limited edition contains two more cuts. Expect probably the most diverse album in band's career. Frankly speaking, I'm a bit shocked. Of course, there's nothing like a revolution, from the opening track „Strongarm” till the last one „De-evolution Ad Nauseum” there can be heard NAPALM DEATH's distinctive, recognizable, trademark sound, being as always a mixture of punk rock, hardcore, grindcore and death metal influences. Although the band continues to follow its own path, listening to that new album I have a feeling that's not so extreme and direct as most of their previous recordings. On „Time Waits For No Slave” the guys decided to spice up their extreme and violent stuff with a greater dose of psychodelic, industrial elements and some other things, taking their music in a slightly new direction.

First of all, on „Time Waits For No Slave” you cannot find so many chaotic blastbeats as on some previous band's releases. The album bases on mid-tempo songs, well thought- out especially in terms of harmonic structures, melodies and arrangements. Don't worry. If you prefer NAPALM DEATH in their most brutal, violent and chaotic style, you can find there a few pieces that should satisfy yourself in one hundred percent. Let's say that the opening track „Strongarm”, the second one called „Diktat” and the last two songs from this album, namely "A No-sided The argument " and "De-evolution Ad Nauseum" will cut your head off. The other songs will prove NAPALM DEATH's outstanding creativity and efficacy in pushing limits to the extreme. For example "On the Brink of Extinction" is build upon thrash metal riffs smartly blended in unique mosaic with some uncontrolled grindcore explosions. Amazing track! In the title track the band slow down a bit, there also can be heard some ... clean backing vocal parts, as well as in the next track called „Life And Limb” (this is- by the way- one of the most outstanding and ass- kickin' songs on this album). In mid-tempo „Downbeat Clique” can be heard some death metal influences as well as some distant echoes of early NAPALM's recordings. The beginning of „Passive Tense” is definitely one of the weirdest musical pieces this band has ever written (dark, atmospheric music has never been associated with NAPALM DEATH, right?). And finally- aforementioned "A No-sided Argument" features great thrash metal guitar solo. It's still NAPALM DEATH. Can you believe?

This is definitely a very mature album, bravely penetrating various dark corners of extreme sonic art. After nearly 26 years of slaying NAPALM DEATH still remain leaders, not followers. I don't know if „Time Waits For No Slave” will become your favorite album, but I'm sure that after several listenings your respect for Barney, Shane, Danny and Mitch will increase tremendously.

10/12