Artist: Napalm Death
Label: Century Media Records
Release Date: 4/19/05
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Title: The Code is Red...Long Live the Code Artist: Napalm Death Label: Century Media Records Release Date: 4/19/05 |
Judgment Committee Reviews | Rating |
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Abyss's Review:
Despite a rather silly title, the most recent effort from Napalm Death is their best album in years. While this band has always been revered in the underground due to their groundbreaking work in the late 80s, I've long considered them to be surviving on past glories. In short, they haven't done much of interest in quite some time. Sure, they've had some successful albums, but they've also kinda seemed on auto-pilot much of the time.
"One word review: Wow." That can't really be said for The Code Is Red... Napalm Death not only have come out with a focused album, they've changed things up a bit and introduced different aspects to their sound, all the while remaining true to their roots. The band seems reinvigorated, writing catchy, hook-filled songs with engaging riffs and driving rhythms. The vocals are quite varied, with help from guests such as Jello Biafra, Jamey Jasta, and the mighty Jeff Walker. The running times of some of the songs have been lengthened, letting the band expand their themes a little bit more, and the album as a whole just seems really well constructed.
I must admit that I didn't really expect much from this album, but songs like "Striding Purposefully Backward," "Pay For The Privilege Of Breathing," and "All Hail The Grey Dawn" caught my attention but quick. Long time fans won't be disappointed, however, because this is still unmistakably a Napalm Death record, and the band never lets you forget that. One word review: Wow.
Death's Review:
Grindcore pioneers Napalm Death return with a new studio album on Century Media Records, The Code is Red . . . Long Live the Code, the long-awaited follow-up to 2002's Order of the Leech. I like it. In short, the riffs are cool, the anger and the heaviness is present, and the groove elements are intact. This is a pretty good record. When viewed with the overlay of the heritage present (this is, in fact, the legendary Napalm Death we're talking about), the album is even more enjoyable. Vocalist Barney Greenway (who joined Napalm Death prior to 1990's Harmony Corruption album) is joined on a few tracks by classic legends Jello Biafra and Jeff Walker (ex-Carcass) and current contender Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed). The current incarnation of Napalm Death is rounded out by longtime bassist Shane Embry (who joined the band after the release of Scum in 1987 and prior to 1988's From Enslavement to Obliteration).
"I like it." Of course, there is nothing "essential" going on here, go back and get the classic albums if you want to truly experience Napalm Death. But for the longtime fan, there is no reason not to pick this up. Like I said before, it's pretty good, makes you want to bang your head, and is definitely an enjoyable listen. For a band with that much history to live up to, that's saying a lot.
Hel's Review:
I have very fond memories of the last time I saw Napalm Death live, only a few months ago. They utterly devastated the House of Blues and left Cannibal Corpse struggling to follow their act. So when this album came my way, I was in a very positive mindset as I was placing it into my player.I’ve certainly enjoyed The Code is Red.... Unfortunately, Napalm Death has proved to be a band I appreciate more in the live setting. While the album is very good, it simply fails to convey the immense energy they exhibit during their performances. It is possible that some of this is a result of the production.
"I’ve certainly enjoyed The Code is Red...." I definitely have a beef with the production. It is such that a lot of the fullness of the recording drops out at low volumes, forcing you to turn up the volume to hear the nuances of the performances that make this album great. There are times these days when I just can’t turn it up to the volume it needs to be, leaving me listening to an amputated recording. And that just pisses me off.
This is certainly a worthwhile record for longtime fans of the band who have been there every step of their career. Newcomers will also enjoy it, but this band has such a rich history new fans should make a point of exploring that before going much further. The Code... may have a long and awkward title, but it is an album that conveys a strong sense of where the band is now. And that is a rather pleasant place to be.
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