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: Throes of Joy in the Jaws of Defeatism (2020)
Released on September 18, 2020, via Century Media, Throes of Joy in the Jaws of Defeatism is Napalm Death’s sixteenth studio album. Recorded at Parlour Studios and produced by Russ Russell, the album mixes grindcore, crust punk, industrial, and post-punk influences. The lyrics tackle themes of social injustice and resistance against oppression, delivered through a blend of intense and experimental sounds.
Track Listing
- Fuck the Factoid
- Backlash Just Because
- That Curse of Being in Thrall
- Contagion
- Joie De Ne Pas Vivre
- Invigorating Clutch
- Zero Gravitas Chamber
- Fluxing of the Muscle
- Amoral
- Throes of Joy in the Jaws of Defeatism
- Acting in Gouged Faith
- A Bellyful of Salt and Spleen
Album length: 42:26
The Lineup for the Album
- Mark “Barney” Greenway: vocals
- Shane Embury: bass, guitars (uncredited), backing vocals, noises
- Danny Herrera: drums
- Mitch Harris: guitars, backing vocals
Release Date
September 18, 2020
Record Label
Century Media Records
Recording Date
August 2017 to April 2020
Recording Studio
Parlour Studios (Kettering, England)
Produced by
Russ Russell
Album Themes/Concept
Anti-Fascism and Anti-Authoritarianism: Many songs on the album criticize authoritarian regimes, fascism, and the rising tide of right-wing populism. The band highlights the dangers of oppressive governments and the importance of resistance.
Human Suffering and Despair: The album delves into the themes of human suffering, despair, and the struggles faced by marginalized groups. It portrays a bleak view of humanity’s current state, reflecting on the systemic issues that lead to widespread suffering.
Existential Reflections: The lyrics often reflect on existential themes, questioning the purpose and meaning of life in the face of adversity. The band explores how individuals cope with the struggles of existence.
Social Injustice: Napalm Death addresses various forms of social injustice, including economic disparity, discrimination, and the exploitation of the vulnerable. The lyrics call for awareness and action against these injustices.
Environmental Concerns: Some tracks touch on environmental issues, emphasizing the destructive impact of human activities on the planet. The band advocates for greater environmental responsibility and sustainability.
Personal Struggles and Mental Health: The album also includes introspective themes, dealing with personal struggles, mental health issues, and the fight to maintain sanity in a chaotic world.
Album Mood
Aggressive and Confrontational: The album is intensely aggressive, showcasing Napalm Death’s signature grindcore and death metal sound. This aggression is a driving force throughout the album, providing a relentless and powerful backdrop to the socio-political themes explored in the lyrics. The ferocity of the music underscores the urgency and intensity of the band’s message.
Bleak and Despairing: There is a pervasive sense of bleakness and despair, reflecting the dark themes of human suffering, social injustice, and existential dread. The lyrics paint a grim picture of the current state of the world, highlighting the struggles faced by individuals and society at large. This mood resonates with the band’s critique of oppressive systems and the pervasive sense of hopelessness they generate.
Reflective and Thought-Provoking: Despite its aggressive tone, the album also encourages reflection and introspection. The themes of personal struggle and mental health invite listeners to consider their own experiences and the broader human condition. This reflective quality adds depth to the album, making it not just a sonic assault but also a contemplative experience.
Defiant and Resilient: Amidst the despair, there is a strong undercurrent of defiance and resilience. The band’s anti-authoritarian stance and call for resistance against oppressive forces imbue the album with a sense of fighting spirit. This defiance is a rallying cry for those who refuse to succumb to the injustices and adversities they face.
Experimental and Diverse: Musically, the album is eclectic and experimental, blending elements of industrial, post-punk, and noise rock with grindcore and death metal. This diversity in sound contributes to a dynamic and unpredictable listening experience, keeping the listener engaged and often surprised by the sonic shifts.
Album Trivia
Lengthy Gap and Return to Roots: The album marked the longest gap between releases in the band’s history, following 2015’s Apex Predator – Easy Meat. During this period, Napalm Death refined their sound, resulting in a record that mixes their classic grindcore style with experimental elements like post-punk and industrial influences.
First Album with Limited Guitar Contributions from Mitch Harris: Guitarist Mitch Harris, who had been with the band since 1990, did not tour for the album and contributed less to the recording. Despite his reduced role, his presence was still felt through his unique guitar style on the tracks.
Thematic Consistency: The band has always been known for their socially and politically charged lyrics. This album continues that tradition, tackling themes such as social injustice, systemic oppression, and human rights, reflecting the turbulent global climate during its creation, particularly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of authoritarianism worldwide.
Title Significance: The album’s title reflects a juxtaposition of despair and hope, encapsulating the band’s outlook on the world’s state. Despite the grim subject matter, there is an underlying message of resistance and the pursuit of joy even in dire circumstances.
Listen or Pass
This album might be for you if you…
- Enjoy Extreme Metal Genres: If you are a fan of grindcore, death metal, or crust punk, this album is a must-listen. It features Napalm Death’s signature ferocity and intensity, combined with experimental elements.
- Appreciate Musical Experimentation: Fans who enjoy bands that push boundaries and incorporate diverse influences like post-punk, industrial, and noise rock will find this album intriguing and refreshing.
- Support Politically and Socially Conscious Music: If you appreciate music with strong messages about social justice, human rights, and political issues, this album’s lyrics and themes will resonate with you.
- Have a Taste for Aggressive and Confrontational Music: Those who enjoy high-energy, aggressive music that delivers a powerful sonic assault will find “Throes of Joy in the Jaws of Defeatism” satisfying.
- Are Long-Time Napalm Death Fans: If you have been following Napalm Death’s career and appreciate their evolution and consistent energy, this album continues to showcase their unique style and commitment to extreme music.
You might want to pass this one if you…
- Prefer Milder Music Genres: If you usually listen to genres like pop, classical, or easy listening, the extreme intensity and aggression of this album may not be to your taste.
- Dislike Political and Social Commentary in Music: If you prefer music that is more focused on personal or abstract themes rather than explicit socio-political messages, this album’s content might not appeal to you.
- Have Sensitivity to Loud and Abrasive Sounds: The album is characterized by loud, aggressive, and sometimes abrasive sounds. If you are sensitive to such audio experiences, it might be challenging to enjoy.
- Expect Traditional Song Structures: If you prefer conventional song structures with clear melodies and harmonies, you might find the experimental and often chaotic nature of this album difficult to appreciate.
- Look for Positive or Uplifting Lyrics: The themes of this album are quite dark, focusing on societal decay and human suffering. If you prefer more positive or uplifting lyrical content, this might not be the right fit.
