Napalm Death: Smear Campaign (2006)

Napalm Death’s “Smear Campaign” is the band’s twelfth studio album. It continues their signature grindcore sound, characterized by fast tempos, aggressive vocals, and politically charged lyrics. The album addresses themes of war, violence, political corruption, and social injustice. It features guest vocals by Anneke van Giersbergen on two tracks. The album was produced by Russ Russell and recorded at Foel Studios in Wales.

Track Listing

Weltschmerz (Intro)
Sink Fast, Let Go
Fatalist
Puritanical Punishment Beating
When All Is Said and Done
Freedom Is the Wage of Sin
In Deference
Short-Lived
Identity Crisis
Shattered Existence
Eyes Right Out
Warped Beyond Logic
Rabid Wolves (for Christ)
Deaf and Dumbstruck (Intelligent Design)
Persona Non Grata
Smear Campaign

Length: 45:02

Genre

Death metal, grindcore

Release Date

September 18th, 2006

Record Label

Century Media Records

The Lineup for the Album

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

Recording Date

May 25th – 27th and June 3rd – 10th, 2006

Recording Studio

Fuel Studios (Llanfair Caernon, Wales)

Produced by

Russ Russell

Album Themes/Concept

Criticism of War and Violence: The album condemns war and violence, highlighting the suffering and futility of conflict.

Anti-Capitalism and Anti-Globalization: Napalm Death critiques capitalism and globalization, arguing that they exploit and marginalize vulnerable populations.

Environmental Concerns: The band expresses concern about environmental destruction and the need for sustainability.

Social Justice: The album advocates for social justice, equality, and human rights.

Political Corruption and Hypocrisy: Napalm Death criticizes political corruption and hypocrisy, calling for accountability and transparency.

Album Mood

Aggressive and Intense: The music is fast-paced, heavy, and unrelenting, reflecting the anger and frustration expressed in the lyrics. The grinding guitars, pummeling drums, and guttural vocals create a sonic assault that is both exhilarating and cathartic.

Dark and Brooding: The album’s atmosphere is often dark and brooding, with moments of dissonance and unsettling melodies that enhance the sense of unease and foreboding. This reflects the bleakness of the social and political issues addressed in the lyrics.

Energetic and Engaging: Despite its dark themes, “Smear Campaign” is also an energetic and engaging album. The music is dynamic and constantly evolving, with unexpected twists and turns that keep the listener on edge. This reflects the band’s passionate commitment to their message and their refusal to be silenced.

Album Trivia

Anneke van Giersbergen’s Guest Appearance: The renowned Dutch vocalist, known for her work with The Gathering and Agua de Annique, lent her voice to two tracks on the album, “Weltschmerz” and “In Deference.”

Album title meaning: “Smear Campaign” refers to the use of disinformation and propaganda to discredit individuals or groups. The band chose this title to criticize political manipulation and the distortion of truth in media.

Listen or Pass

This album might be for you if you…

Enjoy extreme metal genres: “Smear Campaign” is a grindcore album, which is a subgenre of extreme metal known for its fast tempos, aggressive vocals, and often politically charged lyrics. If you enjoy other extreme metal genres like death metal or black metal, you are likely to appreciate the intensity and aggression of this album.
Are interested in socio-political issues: The album’s lyrics tackle various social and political issues, including war, violence, capitalism, globalization, environmental destruction, and political corruption. If you are interested in these topics and enjoy music that challenges the status quo, this album will resonate with you.
Like your music fast and furious: This album is not for the faint of heart. The music is fast, heavy, and unrelenting, with little room for melody or respite. If you like your music to be a sonic assault, this album will deliver.

You might want to pass this one if you…

Prefer melodic or accessible music: Grindcore is not known for its melody or accessibility. If you prefer music that is more melodic, or if you find extreme metal vocals to be off-putting, this album is not likely to appeal to you.
Are sensitive to graphic content: The lyrics and album artwork of “Smear Campaign” can be quite graphic and disturbing, dealing with themes of violence, war, and social injustice. If you are sensitive to such content, you may want to avoid this album.
Dislike politically charged music: Napalm Death is not afraid to express their political views in their music. If you prefer your music to be apolitical or if you disagree with the band’s political stance, you may find this album to be off-putting.
Have a low tolerance for noise: Grindcore is a noisy and abrasive genre, and “Smear Campaign” is no exception. If you prefer your music to be more polished or refined, this album is not likely to be your cup of tea.

Release Date

September 18, 2006

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.