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.
Napalm Death: From Enslavement to Obliteration (1988)
If albums came with warning stickers, “From Enslavement to Obliteration” would need a whole roll. Forget subtle – this is a sonic assault on corruption, inequality, and environmental ruin. The music’s as brutal as the message, a whirlwind of blast beats and scorching guitars. Not for the faint of heart.
Track Listing
- Evolved as One
- It’s a M.A.N.S. World!
- Lucid Fairytale
- Private Death
- Impressions
- Unchallenged Hate
- Uncertainty Blurs the Vision
- Cock-Rock Alienation
- Retreat to Nowhere
- Think for a Minute
- Display to Me…
- From Enslavement to Obliteration
- Blind to the Truth
- Social Sterility
- Emotional Suffocation
- Practice What You Preach
- Inconceivable?
- Worlds Apart
- Obstinate Direction
- Mentally Murdered
- Sometimes
- Make Way!
Length: 29:30
Genre
Grindcore
Release Date
September 16th, 1988
Record Label
Earache Records
The Lineup for the Album
- Lee Dorrian: vocals
- Shane Embury: bass
- Bill Steer: guitar
- Mick Harris: drums
Recording Date
July, 1988
Recording Studio
Birdsong Studios (Worcester, England)
Produced by
Napalm Death and Dig
Album Themes/Concept
Suffering Caused by Oppression: Napalm Death paints a brutal picture of the devastating impact of systems built on inequality. They address the suffering of the poor, the exploited, those marginalized due to race or gender, and victims of war. There’s a strong focus on victims being voiceless and powerless.
The Corrupting Influence of Power: Those in positions of power, whether religious, political, or economic, are frequently targeted. The band sees hypocrisy everywhere: leaders claiming morality while their actions lead to suffering for the many.
Environmental Exploitation: Several songs address the destruction of the natural world for profit, and the horrific consequences of animal abuse and factory farming.
The Illusion of Conformity: The album encourages resistance to societal pressures pushing people into mindless consumerism and obedience.
A Call for Revolution: While the album’s tone is relentlessly bleak, there’s an underlying belief that the only path to a better world is to dismantle the corrupt systems fueling these injustices.
Album Mood
The Fury: Imagine white-hot rage at injustice with no outlet. It’d feel chaotic, desperate, and ready to lash out at the cause of that suffering. That’s the emotional core of this album.
The Bleakness: There is little hope or optimism here. The album portrays a world so fundamentally broken that the only solution seems to be a complete shattering of the existing systems.
The Urgency: This isn’t just anger, it’s desperation. The music is so fast, so relentless, like it’s screaming “this can’t continue” over and over.
Album Trivia
Band Lineup Changes: This album marked the final Napalm Death release featuring vocalist Lee Dorrian and guitarist Bill Steer. It was also the first album to include bassist Shane Embury. The dynamics within the band during this period were pivotal in shaping their sound and future direction.
Album’s Songs Length: Despite its profound impact, the album is known for its incredibly short song durations. None of the 22 tracks exceed three minutes, with many lasting under or around one minute, encapsulating the grindcore ethos of brevity and aggression.
Inclusion of a Bonus EP: The initial pressings of the album included a free 7-inch EP titled “The Curse,” adding more value and content for fans purchasing the vinyl during its original release.
Impactful Quote: Some of the LPs included a sticker with a quote from Joe Elliot of Def Leppard, stating, “We wanted to be the biggest rock band in the world and you don’t do that sounding like Napalm Death,” highlighting the band’s recognition of their extreme sound.
Cultural Parody: The grindcore band Sore Throat released a track called “From Off License to Obliteration” on their 1988 album “Disgrace to the Corpse of Sid,” which is a direct parody of Napalm Death’s album title.
Record-Breaking Aspirations: At one point, Napalm Death was listed in the Guinness Book of Records for recording the shortest song ever, “You Suffer,” from their previous album “Scum.” Although not from this album, it underscores the band’s extreme approach to music that continued with “From Enslavement to Obliteration”.
Listen or Pass
This album might be for you if you…
- Enjoy extreme music: If you’re already into death metal, thrash, or other forms of grindcore, this is a classic album of the genre worth experiencing.
- Like short, explosive songs: Looking for music that packs its punch into small packages and keeps the energy high throughout? This album delivers.
- Are interested in socially conscious lyrics: While unrelenting, the album tackles real-world injustices with scathing commentary.
- Appreciate sonic experimentation: While focused on brutality, there are unexpected elements showing the band’s wider influences.
- Don’t mind a challenge: This album is loud, relentless, and can be emotionally draining – but for some, that intensity is part of the appeal.
You might want to pass this one if you…
- Are sensitive to extreme sounds: Blast beats, guttural growls, and relentless speed aren’t for everyone. This album pushes boundaries in terms of harshness.
- Prefer strong melodies and vocals: This music prioritizes aggression and atmosphere over traditional musicality.
- Need music to be uplifting: The album’s bleak worldview and relentless anger are not designed to be a feel-good experience.
- Dislike short formats: If song structure and clear transitions matter to you, this album’s style might feel too chaotic.
- Are looking for lighthearted subject matter: The album confronts heavy topics without offering solutions or respite.
Release Date
September 16, 1988
