
Inhale/Exhale (1998)
Nasum’s debut album, “Inhale/Exhale” (1998), is a raw and intense grindcore album with 38 tracks. The album, recorded in a basement studio, is known for its aggressive sound and politically charged lyrics.
Nasum’s “Shift,” released on October 11th, 2004, by Burning Heart Records, is the band’s fourth studio album. The album was recorded between June and July 2004 at Soundlab Studios in Örebro, Sweden. “Shift” features 24 tracks that adhere to the grindcore genre, characterized by its fast-paced and aggressive sound. The album is notable for being the last recording before the death of Mieszko Talarczyk in December 2004.
Length: 37:20
Grindcore
October 11th, 2004
Burning Heart Records
June 3rd – July 13th, 2004
Soundlab Studios (Örebro, Sweden)
Mieszko Talarczyk
Critique of Societal Values and Norms: The lyrics often challenge societal structures and norms, questioning the systems of power and control that govern individual lives. This includes a critique of both political mechanisms and cultural practices.
Environmental Concerns: Following in the footsteps of many grindcore acts, Nasum incorporates themes of environmental degradation and the neglect of natural resources. The lyrics address the consequences of industrialization and consumption-driven societies.
Human Rights and Social Justice: The band expresses a strong stance on issues related to human rights and social justice, calling for awareness and action against injustices.
War and Peace: Themes of conflict, the absurdity of war, and the quest for peace are prevalent. The lyrics often reflect on the cyclical nature of conflict and the impact of violence on humanity.
Personal Struggle and Resilience: Amidst the broader political and social themes, there are also introspective glimpses into personal struggle, mental health, and resilience against adversity.
Intensity and Aggression: True to the grindcore genre, “Shift” is intense and aggressive, with songs characterized by fast tempos, blast beats, and abrasive vocals. This mood underpins the entire album, creating a sense of urgency and relentless energy that drives the messages home.
Dark and Ominous: The themes of societal decay, environmental destruction, and human conflict lend a dark and ominous tone to the album. The music complements these themes with heavy, distorted guitar riffs and a dense, oppressive sound.
Reflective and Thought-Provoking: Despite its harsh exterior, “Shift” also contains moments of reflection. The lyrics provoke thought on various social issues, challenging listeners to consider their own views and the state of the world around them.
Cathartic and Empowering: For many listeners, the intense energy of the music and the confrontational nature of the lyrics can be cathartic. The album empowers listeners by channeling frustration and anger into a powerful sonic experience.
Evolution in Sound: “Shift” marked a subtle shift in Nasum’s musical style, integrating more melodic elements into their traditional grindcore sound. This is evident in tracks like “Fury” and “Fight Terror with Terror,” which showcase a blend of intense grindcore with melodic overlays.
Circumstantial Changes: The album was written and recorded amidst changes in the band’s lineup and a switch in record labels, which brought about its own set of challenges. This period of transition significantly influenced the thematic and lyrical content of the album.
Hectic Schedule: The schedule for recording “Shift” was quite tight. The band was simultaneously planning a European tour and had to complete the album’s mixing and mastering quickly to meet the production schedule of Burning Heart Records. This urgency meant that they had to finalize the album cover even while still recording the album.
Artwork Quick Changes: The artwork for “Shift” underwent several rapid changes during the production process. The band wanted the album cover to mimic the aesthetic of a book cover, using specific paper and printing techniques. However, due to practical constraints, not all ideas were implemented in the final design.
Tragic Impact: “Shift” was the last album recorded before the tragic death of Mieszko Talarczyk, the band’s frontman, who died in the 2004 tsunami. This event led to the eventual disbandment of Nasum, marking “Shift” as a significant piece in the band’s history due to its association with the end of their active years.
October 11, 2004