Napalm Death: Leaders Not Followers – Part 2 (2004)

Leaders Not Followers: Part 2 by Napalm Death is a cover album that pays homage to influential punk, hardcore, and metal bands. Released on August 23, 2004, by Century Media Records, it features raw and aggressive renditions of classic tracks, maintaining Napalm Death’s intense style. With fast tempos, guttural vocals, and unpolished production, the album offers a fresh take on songs from bands like Sepultura and Discharge. Produced by Russ Russell and recorded at Robannas Studios in Birmingham, it stands as a powerful tribute to the roots of extreme metal and grindcore.

Track Listing

Lowlife (Cryptic Slaughter)
Face Down in the Dirt (The Offenders)
Devastation (Devastation)
Messiah (Hellhammer)
Victims of a Bomb Raid (Anti Cimex)
Night of Pain (Wehrmacht)
War’s No Fairytale (Discharge)
Conform (Siege)
Master (Master)
Fire Death Fate (Insanity)
Riot of Violence (Kreator)
Game of the Arseholes (Anti Cimex)
Clangor of War (Massacre)
Dope Fiend (Attitude Adjustment)
I’m Tired (Die Kreuzen)
Troops of Doom (Sepultura)
Bedtime Story (Dayglo Abortions)
Blind Justice (Agnostic Front)
Hate, Fear and Power (Hirax)

Album length: 43:09

The Lineup for the Album

Mark “Barney” Greenway: vocals
Shane Embury: bass, backing vocals
Mitch Harris: guitars, vocals
Danny Herrera: drums

Release Date

U maju

Record Label

Century Media Records

Recording Date

June and July 2003

Recording Studio

Robbanas Studios (Birmingham, England)

Produced by

Russ Russell

Album Themes/Concept

Social and Political Commentary: Many of the original songs address issues like social injustice, political corruption, and the struggles of the working class. For instance, “Lowlife” by Cryptic Slaughter and “Face Down in the Dirt” by The Offenders critique societal norms and the abuse of power.

Anti-War Sentiments: Several tracks express strong anti-war messages. “Victims of a Bomb Raid” by Anti Cimex and “War’s No Fairytale” by Discharge are notable examples, reflecting the horrors and futility of war.

Personal Struggles and Rebellion: Themes of personal anguish, rebellion against authority, and non-conformity are prevalent. Songs like “I’m Tired” by Die Kreuzen and “Conform” by Siege convey a sense of frustration and a call for individuality.

Dark and Morbid Themes: Reflecting the influence of early extreme metal, some songs delve into darker and more morbid themes. “Messiah” by Hellhammer and “Troops of Doom” by Sepultura explore themes of death and destruction.

Album Mood

Intense and Aggressive: The album is characterized by its intense and aggressive sound, a hallmark of both grindcore and death metal genres. The fast tempos, heavily distorted guitars, and powerful drumming create an overwhelming wall of sound that conveys raw energy and anger.

Rebellious and Defiant: The songs chosen for this album, originally by various influential punk, hardcore, and metal bands, often carry themes of rebellion and defiance. The mood is one of resistance against societal norms, authority, and injustice. This rebellious spirit is captured through the aggressive delivery and urgent pace of the music.

Dark and Brooding: Reflecting the influence of early extreme metal, some tracks have a dark and brooding atmosphere. Themes of death, destruction, and personal struggle are prevalent, adding a layer of somberness and intensity to the overall mood.

Nostalgic Tribute: While aggressive and dark, the album also has a nostalgic element. By covering songs from bands that influenced them, Napalm Death pays homage to their roots and the formative years of the extreme music scene. This creates a sense of respect and tribute amidst the ferocity.

Album Trivia

Tribute to Influences: The album is a tribute to bands that influenced Napalm Death. It includes covers of songs by bands like Sepultura, Discharge, and Kreator, showcasing the diverse range of music that shaped the band’s sound.

Notable Cover Choices: One of the interesting choices is the cover of “Troops of Doom” by Sepultura, which is a nod to the early death metal scene. Napalm Death’s version maintains the intensity of the original while adding their grindcore edge.

Cover Album Concept: Leaders Not Followers: Part 2 is a cover album that features Napalm Death’s renditions of various songs by influential bands in the hardcore punk and metal genres. This album follows the first Leaders Not Followers EP released in 1999.

Recording Anecdote: Although credited, Jesse Pintado did not participate in the recording sessions for this album. Mitch Harris confirmed this in an interview, indicating that the album’s guitar work was primarily handled by him.

Guest Musician: Jim Whiteley, formerly of the band Ripcord, played bass on two tracks, “War’s No Fairytale” and “Game of the Arseholes,” adding a special touch to these covers.

Album layout and design: The album’s artwork was created by Mick Kenney, known for his work with other metal bands (Anaal Nathrakh). The design captures the chaotic and aggressive spirit of the music.

Listen or Pass

This album might be for you if you…

Enjoy Grindcore and Death Metal: If you are a fan of the intense, fast-paced, and aggressive styles of grindcore and death metal, this album will likely appeal to you. Napalm Death is a pioneer in these genres, and Leaders Not Followers: Part 2 showcases their signature sound.
Appreciate Cover Albums: This album is a cover album, featuring Napalm Death’s renditions of songs by influential punk, hardcore, and metal bands. If you enjoy hearing reinterpretations of classic tracks, this album offers a unique take on many seminal songs.
Value Music History and Influences: For listeners interested in the history and influences behind a band’s music, this album is a great way to explore the bands and songs that shaped Napalm Death’s sound. It’s a homage to their roots and a journey through their musical inspirations.
Enjoy Raw and Unpolished Sound: The production on this album maintains a raw and unpolished feel, which is characteristic of early grindcore and punk recordings. If you prefer a more authentic, gritty sound over polished studio production, this album will suit your taste.
Like High-Energy Music: With its fast tempos, aggressive riffs, and relentless energy, this album is perfect for those who love high-energy music that gets the adrenaline pumping

You might want to pass this one if you…

Prefer Melodic and Clean Vocals: If you enjoy metal with clean, melodic vocals and a more polished sound, this album’s harsh growls and raw production might not be to your liking.
Dislike Covers or Prefer Original Material: Since this is a cover album, if you prefer original songs over covers, you might not find this album as engaging.
Are Not a Fan of Extreme Metal Genres: If grindcore and death metal’s intensity, speed, and aggression are not your preferred styles, this album’s relentless pace and harsh sound may not appeal to you.
Look for Complex Song Structures: The songs on this album are typically short, fast, and straightforward, reflecting the hardcore punk and early extreme metal styles. If you prefer more complex compositions, this might not meet your expectations.
Have Sensitivity to Lyrical Themes: The original songs’ themes include social and political commentary, anti-war sentiments, and dark, morbid topics. If these themes are not something you enjoy in your music, you might want to skip this album

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.