Napalm Death: Apex Predator – Easy Meat (2015)

Apex Predator – Easy Meat is the 15th studio album by British grindcore band Napalm Death, released on January 27th, 2015, by Century Media Records. The album addresses themes of modern slavery and exploitation, inspired by the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh. Combining their traditional grindcore sound with industrial and experimental elements, Napalm Death explores harsh socio-political issues through intense and aggressive music. Key tracks include “Smash a Single Digit” and “Dear Slum Landlord,” reflecting the album’s focus on consumerism and corporate exploitation

Track Listing

Apex Predator – Easy Meat
Smash a Single Digit
Metaphorically Screw You
How the Years Condemn
Stubborn Stains
Timeless Flogging
Dear Slum Landlord…
Cesspits
Bloodless Coup
Beyond the Pale
Stunt Your Growth
Hierarchies
One-Eyed
Adversarial / Copulating Snakes

Length: 39:57

Genre

Death metal, grindcore

Release Date

January 27th, 2015

Record Label

Century Media Records

The Lineup for the Album

Mark “Barney” Greenway: vocals
Shane Embury: bass, Backing Vocals, and additional Guitar
Mitch Harris: guitar, Backing Vocals
Danny Herrera: drums

Recording Date

April – October, 2014

Recording Studio

Parlour Studios (Kettering, England)

Produced by

Russ Russell

Album Themes/Concept

Consumerism and Exploitation: The album critically examines the impact of consumer culture and the exploitation of workers in global supply chains. The title track, “Apex Predator – Easy Meat,” reflects on the conditions faced by workers in industries that produce cheap goods for affluent societies.

Social and Economic Injustice: Many songs on the album address issues of inequality and the systemic oppression of marginalized groups. Tracks like “Dear Slum Landlord…” and “Hierarchies” focus on the disparity between the wealthy and the poor, and the abuses of power by those in control.

Human Suffering and Desperation: The album delves into the human condition, exploring themes of suffering, desperation, and the struggle for dignity. “How the Years Condemn” reflects on the personal toll of time and hardship, while “Cesspits” explores the grim realities faced by individuals in dire situations.

Environmental Degradation: The album also touches on the destruction of the environment due to unchecked industrialization and greed. The band uses their platform to highlight the need for environmental consciousness and change.

Album Mood

Intensity and Aggression: The album opens with a raw and industrial sound, setting the tone for its aggressive nature. The tracks are characterized by rapid tempos, heavy guitar riffs, and ferocious drumming. Songs like “Smash a Single Digit” and “Cesspits” epitomize this high-energy aggression, delivering a relentless auditory assault that is both exhilarating and cathartic.

Dark and Pessimistic: The lyrical content and musical composition convey a sense of darkness and pessimism. Themes of exploitation, social injustice, and human suffering are expressed through a bleak and confrontational lens. Tracks such as “Dear Slum Landlord…” and “Timeless Flogging” evoke a grim and somber mood, reflecting the harsh realities addressed in the lyrics.

Urgency and Frustration: There’s a palpable sense of urgency and frustration throughout the album. The band channels their anger and discontent with societal issues into their music, creating an intense and impassioned listening experience. “How the Years Condemn” and “Stunt Your Growth” are examples of tracks that convey this feeling of urgency, pushing the listener to confront and reflect on the issues at hand.

Atmospheric and Industrial Elements: While the album is primarily grindcore, it also incorporates atmospheric and industrial elements, especially in the title track “Apex Predator – Easy Meat.” These elements add layers of texture and depth, creating an eerie and unsettling backdrop that enhances the overall mood.

Album Trivia

Experimental Elements: The album is noted for its experimental approach, incorporating various unconventional sounds. For example, the title track uses sounds from bashing radiators, kitchen sinks, and oil cans with a hammer, along with bass and cello, creating an industrial noise backdrop.

Inspired by Real-Life Tragedy: The title track “Apex Predator – Easy Meat” was inspired by the tragic collapse of the Rana Plaza factory in Bangladesh in 2013, where over 1,100 garment workers lost their lives. This incident fueled the band’s commentary on modern slavery and exploitation.

Five Recording Sessions: The album was recorded over five separate sessions, adding to its diverse and immediate sound. Each session brought different energy and perspectives, contributing to the album’s dynamic nature.

Listen or Pass

This album might be for you if you…

Enjoy Extreme Metal Genres: If you’re a fan of grindcore, death metal, or other extreme metal genres, “Apex Predator – Easy Meat” will likely resonate with you. The album’s intense and fast-paced sound is a hallmark of Napalm Death’s style.
Appreciate Socially Conscious Lyrics: Listeners who are interested in music that addresses serious social and political issues will find the album’s themes compelling. The band’s critique of consumerism, modern slavery, and exploitation is thought-provoking and relevant.
Value Experimental Music: Those who enjoy bands that push the boundaries of their genre will appreciate the experimental elements in this album. The incorporation of industrial noise and unconventional sound sources adds a unique dimension to the music.
Seek High-Energy Music: If you enjoy music that is aggressive and energizing, this album delivers with its relentless intensity and powerful performances. It’s perfect for listeners who seek an adrenaline rush from their music.

You might want to pass this one if you…

Prefer Milder Music: If you generally listen to softer, more melodic music, this album might be too intense and abrasive. The extreme nature of grindcore and the heavy themes may not be to your taste.
Dislike Political and Social Commentary: Listeners who prefer music without overt political or social messages might not enjoy the album’s lyrical content. The themes are central to the album and may be too confrontational for some.
Are Sensitive to Harsh Vocals: If you find harsh, growling vocals off-putting, this album might not be for you. Barney Greenway’s vocal style is a key component of Napalm Death’s sound and can be quite intense.
Expect Traditional Song Structures: Those who prefer music with traditional song structures and clear melodies might find the chaotic and unorthodox arrangements challenging. The album often defies conventional musical expectations.
Want Easy Listening: If you’re looking for music to relax to, “Apex Predator – Easy Meat” is far from an easy listen. Its aggressive and relentless nature is designed to provoke and energize, not to soothe.

Release Date

January 27, 2015

Napalm Death Albums

Scum (1987)

Napalm Death’s debut album “Scum” (1987) is a landmark in extreme metal, laying the groundwork for grindcore with its raw energy, relentless aggression, and socio-political lyrics.

From Enslavement to Obliteration (1988)

Napalm Death’s “From Enslavement to Obliteration” (1988) is an unrestrained sonic assault on societal ills and environmental destruction.
The album’s unrelenting grindcore sound perfectly mirrors its bleak lyrical themes, creating an intense and visceral listening experience.

Harmony Corruption (1990)

Napalm Death’s Harmony Corruption (1990) is a brutal fusion of death metal and grindcore. Known for its intense sound and angry socio-political lyrics, it remains a classic of extreme metal.

Utopia Banished (1992)

Napalm Death’s fourth studio album, Utopia Banished (1992), marked Danny Herrera’s debut as drummer. Known for its intense sound and socio-political lyrics, it remains a landmark release in death metal/grindcore.

Fear, Emptiness, Despair (1994)

Napalm Death’s “Fear, Emptiness, Despair” (1994) incorporated groove metal and industrial elements,
marking a departure from their grindcore sound. The album features slower tempos, complex structures, and lyrics exploring societal issues and nihilism.

Diatribes (1996)

Napalm Death’s 1996 album “Diatribes” marks a shift from grindcore to groove metal and industrial sounds. Addressing social and political issues, it divided fans with its experimental approach.

Inside the Torn Apart (1997)

Napalm Death’s “Inside the Torn Apart” (1997) is a departure from their typical grindcore sound,
featuring slower tempos and industrial influences. The album explores introspective and existential themes, deviating from the band’s usual political commentary.

Words from the Exit Wound (1998)

Released in 1998 on Earache Records, Napalm Death’s “Words from the Exit Wound” blends grindcore with death metal and experimental elements across twelve socio-political tracks.

Enemy of the Music Business (2000)

Napalm Death’s “Enemy of the Music Business” (2000) is a grindcore album with 13 politically charged songs. It criticizes the music industry and marks a return to the band’s more extreme style.

Order of the Leech (2002)

Napalm Death’s “Order of the Leech” (2002) is a grindcore/death metal album with aggressive instrumentation and politically charged lyrics. The album explores themes of social injustice, political corruption, and personal struggles.

Leaders Not Followers – Part 2 (2004)

Napalm Death’s “Leaders Not Followers: Part 2” (2004) is a cover album featuring raw and aggressive renditions of punk, hardcore, and metal songs. Recorded at Robannas Studios and produced by Russ Russell, it serves as a tribute to the band’s musical roots.

The Code Is Red…Long Live the Code (2005)

Napalm Death’s eleventh studio album, “The Code Is Red…Long Live the Code” (2005), is a politically charged grindcore release featuring guest vocals from Jello Biafra and Jamey Jasta. The album explores themes of corruption, injustice, and environmental issues, blending elements of death metal, punk, and industrial music.

Smear Campaign (2006)

Napalm Death’s “Smear Campaign” (2006) is a grindcore album with political themes, addressing war, violence, corruption, and injustice. It features guest vocals by Anneke van Giersbergen and was produced by Russ Russell.

Time Waits for No Slave (2009)

Napalm Death’s “Time Waits for No Slave” (2009) is a grindcore album with experimental elements, showcasing both melodic vocals and complex song structures. It addresses sociopolitical themes and personal empowerment.

Utilitarian (2012)

Napalm Death’s “Utilitarian” (2012) is a grindcore/death metal album tackling themes of societal corruption, inequality, and ethical dilemmas. Its intense music and thought-provoking lyrics challenge listeners to confront uncomfortable truths.

Apex Predator – Easy Meat (2015)

Napalm Death’s 15th studio album, “Apex Predator – Easy Meat” (2015), addresses themes of modern slavery and exploitation through a mix of grindcore, industrial, and experimental sounds. Key tracks like “Smash a Single Digit” and “Dear Slum Landlord” criticize consumerism and corporate greed.

Throes of Joy in the Jaws of Defeatism (2020)

Napalm Death’s sixteenth studio album, “Throes of Joy in the Jaws of Defeatism” (2020), is a blend of grindcore, crust punk, industrial, and post-punk. The album’s lyrics address social injustice and resistance against oppression.