Album Review: Napalm Death - 'Apex Predator - Easy Meat'

Napalm Death have been one of the most influential bands in the grind genre. That's not a debatable comment rather a statement of fact. Now, after 30 odd years as a band and with their 15th album sitting ideally in the extensive catalogue, the Brits show no signs of slowing down.

If you want gruesomely heavy music with some angry social and political messages then look no further than new album, ‘Apex Predator - Easy Meat.’

Beginning with the title track, which starts things off on a slower but seriously eerie note, the band is still as menacing and engaging as ever. The track itself is quite unique and sinks its hooks into you. It's intriguing, if nothing else. Comparatively, ‘Smash A Single Digit' is an onslaught. 

The record is seriously meaty thanks, in no small part, to its riffs. Tracks like ‘Dear Slum Landlord’ stand out and show Napalm Death are leaders and not on the musical decline. Equally, moments like this reveal a melodic side to the group, which include a slower tempo and experimentation.

It's a common blueprint executed well. Blistering tempos, frantic drums and hyper riffs, it's all ticked off. However, the band manages to mix just the right amount of death metal and grindcore with tracks like ‘Beyond The Pale’, which are reminiscent of past feats. For a predominantly grind album Napalm Death have also managed to develop a clear production quality.

Closer ‘Adverdarial / Copulating Snakes,’ shows contrasting sounds with time changes that again highlight the stalwarts are not afraid to mix things up.

It's Napalm Death. Heavy and unashamed. ‘Apex Predator - Easy Meat' is reflective of a band comfortable in approach and unforgiving in delivery.

‘Apex Predator - Easy Meat’ manages to showcase the classic and well-loved Napalm Death sounds. 15 albums in, there is no complacency here. It's an exercise in contemporary charm as well as a reminder of why the band still exists at the forefront.

1. Apex Predator.Easy Meat

2. Smash A Single Digit

3. Metaphorically Screw You

4. How The Years Condemn

5. Stubborn Stains

6. Timeless Flogging

7. Dear Slum Landlord

8. Cesspits

9. Bloodless Coup

10. Beyond The Pale

11. Stunt Your Growth

12. Hierarchies

13. One Eyed

14. Adversarial / Copulating Snakes