Resentment Is Always Seismic

Napalm Death kicks off 2022 with a fiery new EP, Resentment Is Always Seismic – A Final Throw Of Throes. This release serves as a powerful epilogue to their acclaimed 2020 album, Throes Of Joy In The Jaws Of Defeatism, which earned a place on my album of the year list. With eight blistering tracks, Resentment Is Always Seismic asserts that, four decades into their career, Napalm Death remains a force to be reckoned with, effortlessly competing with the next generation of extreme metal acts they’ve inspired.

The opening track, “Narcissus,” erupts with a gritty bass riff before the full band crashes in, unleashing a mid-paced hardcore storm that will have you headbanging in no time. The song ramps up into a furious D-beat and blast-beat onslaught, setting an invigorating tone that’s sure to ignite the mosh pit at live shows.

Mark “Barney” Greenway, the band’s charismatic frontman, channels raw aggression throughout the EP. His vocals are refreshingly diverse, avoiding the usual cookie monster growl. In “Resentment Always Simmers,” he delivers a slow-burning earworm with dissonant guitar riffs and a compelling rhythmic backdrop. “Flaunt your resentment!” he bellows, shifting seamlessly from haunting melodies to a vibrato reminiscent of Jello Biafra.

Taking a bold turn, Napalm Death covers “People Pie” by Slab! in track three, introducing a minimalist approach with clean vocals from Barney. This unexpected twist culminates in a stunning gospel-inspired finale, marking a noteworthy first for the band.

The relentless “Man Bites Dogged” features a Motörhead-esque double bass barrage, complemented by furious guitar work. In “Slaver Through Repeat Performance,” the band showcases a complex Middle Eastern-influenced guitar melody, where Greenway oscillates between chants and screams. This track delivers a chaotic blend of blast beats and disorienting rhythms, evoking the sensation of moshing after a wild ride on the Gravitron.

Don’t blink, or you might miss their grindcore rendition of Bad Brains’ “Don’t Need It,” clocking in at just a minute and sounding more like “Suffer The Children” than the original.

The EP culminates with “Resentment is Always Seismic (Dark Sky Burial Dirge),” a haunting reimagining of the opener that bookends this exhilarating experience. Shane Embury’s slinky bass lines and distorted drums create an unsettling atmosphere, while ethereal keyboards shimmer in the background as Barney’s haunting refrain echoes: “Flaunt your resentment / resentment always simmers.”

“Resentment Always Simmers” echoes Lee Dorian’s hypnotic screams in From Enslavement To Obliteration, highlighting Napalm Death’s evolution from their hardcore roots while retaining the raw vitality that has defined their career, even amidst lineup changes and shifting musical influences. With Resentment Is Always Seismic, Napalm Death not only reaffirms their legacy but also cements their relevance in today’s heavy music landscape.