Napalm Death: Utilitarian (2012)

Napalm Death’s “Utilitarian” (2012) is a brutal and intense journey into the darker corners of human society. The album explores themes of corruption, inequality, and ethical dilemmas through a blistering blend of grindcore and death metal. With its raw energy and thought-provoking lyrics, “Utilitarian” challenges listeners to confront uncomfortable truths and question the status quo.

Track Listing

Circumspect
Errors in the Signals
Everyday Pox
Protection Racket
The Wolf I Feed
Quarantined
Fall on Their Swords
Collision Course
Orders of Magnitude
Think Tank Trials
Blank Look About Face
Leper Colony
Nom de Guerre
Analysis Paralysis
Opposites Repellent
A Gag Reflex

Length: 46:11

Genre

Death metal, grindcore

Release Date

February 27th, 2012

Record Label

Century Media Records

The Lineup for the Album

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

Recording Date

May – November, 2011

Recording Studio

Parlour Studios (Kettering, England)

Produced by

Russ Russell

Album Themes/Concept

Social Critique and Injustice: Songs often critique societal structures and the disparities they create. The band addresses issues such as inequality, exploitation, and the mechanisms of control used by powerful entities against the marginalized.

Personal Responsibility and Activism: There is a recurrent theme of personal agency and the importance of individual actions in the face of systemic problems. The lyrics encourage listeners to question, resist, and act rather than passively accept the status quo.

Existential Reflections: Beyond political and social critique, some tracks delve into more existential questions about human nature, the meaning of freedom, and our place in the world.

Criticism of War and Violence: The album also touches on the futility and destructiveness of war and conflict, questioning the motives behind these human endeavors and their devastating impacts.

Album Mood

Intensity: “Utilitarian” is unrelentingly intense, with songs that deliver a sonic barrage characterized by fast tempos, aggressive guitar riffs, and rapid-fire drumming. This intensity is a hallmark of the grindcore genre, pushing the boundaries of extreme music.

Anger and Agitation: Much of the album is infused with a palpable sense of anger and agitation, reflecting the lyrical themes of social injustice and political disillusionment. The vocal delivery is fierce and confrontational, enhancing the overall aggressive tone.

Darkness and Grit: There is a pervasive darkness and grit throughout the album, not just in the heavy and dissonant musical arrangements but also in the grim lyrical content that deals with human suffering and existential dread. This creates a mood that is both somber and reflective.

Urgency: The album conveys a sense of urgency, both in its fast-paced musical style and in its urgent calls for social change and resistance. This urgency compels the listener to not only hear the music but to feel the immediacy of the issues being addressed.

Complexity: Despite its aggressive and often chaotic exterior, “Utilitarian” possesses a certain complexity in its arrangement and thematic exploration. This complexity invites listeners to engage deeply with both the music and the messages conveyed, offering a richer and more layered listening experience.

Album Trivia

John Zorn’s Contribution: The avant-garde musician John Zorn contributed his saxophone skills to the track “Everyday Pox,” adding a distinctive jazz-punk element to the grindcore sound of Napalm Death, which is quite unusual for the genre.

Wide Musical Influences: The album features a variety of musical styles and influences. Mark “Barney” Greenway, the band’s vocalist, has cited influences from bands like Swans and My Bloody Valentine for the album’s more epic tracks, showcasing the band’s openness to diverse sonic textures.

Artwork Symbolism: The album’s cover art is politically charged, featuring corporate figures stomping on the “common man,” which visually represents the band’s critique of power structures and corporate greed, aligning with the lyrical themes of the album.

Listen or Pass

This album might be for you if you…

Enjoy extreme metal: If you’re a fan of grindcore, death metal, or other extreme metal subgenres, “Utilitarian” is a must-listen. It showcases Napalm Death’s signature sound at its finest, with blistering tempos, aggressive vocals, and a raw, uncompromising energy.
Appreciate lyrical depth: If you prefer music with thought-provoking lyrics that tackle social and political issues, “Utilitarian” will not disappoint. The album delves into complex themes like ethics, morality, and human nature, offering plenty of food for thought.
Like a challenge: “Utilitarian” is not an easy listen. It’s intense, chaotic, and sometimes even unsettling. However, if you’re willing to embrace the challenge and engage with its complexities, it can be a rewarding and enriching experience.
Want to explore Napalm Death’s discography: “Utilitarian” is considered one of Napalm Death’s strongest and most mature albums. If you’re new to the band or want to delve deeper into their catalog, this is a great starting point.

You might want to pass this one if you…

Prefer melodic or accessible metal: If you’re more into melodic metal with clean vocals and catchy choruses, “Utilitarian” might not be your cup of tea. It’s a raw, abrasive album with harsh vocals and complex song structures.
Dislike extreme vocals: Mark “Barney” Greenway’s vocals are an acquired taste. If you’re not a fan of guttural vocals, screams, and growls, you might find his style off-putting.
Want light-hearted or relaxing music: “Utilitarian” is not background music. It’s an intense and demanding album that requires your full attention. If you’re looking for something to chill out to, this is not it.
Are sensitive to graphic content: The lyrics on “Utilitarian” can be quite graphic and disturbing, dealing with themes of violence, suffering, and societal decay. If you’re easily triggered by such content, you might want to steer clear.

Release Date

February 27, 2012

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.