From the recordings done back in 2020 for Throes of Joy in the Jaws of Defeatism (Century Media) storms in Napalm Death’s very own “mini-album”, Resentment is Always Seismic – a final throw of Throes. These English grindcore legends certainly need no introduction as they continue to push the boundaries of grindcore and punk to create this extension of their previous full-length release. Complete with two covers, a remix, and a few other gems, these next thirty minutes are sure to fly by and deal out some serious punishment.
The opening three minutes of Resentment is Always Seismic – a final throw of Throes is the appetizer for this eight-course meal. This dish is entitled ‘Narcissus’ and is everything everyone loves about Napalm Death. Moments of groove transitioning right into absolute chaos reminds the listener of just what they have got themselves into. One of the covers on this mini-album comes from industrial noise rock legends in their own right, SLAB!, specifically the track ‘People Pie’. The moment the bass line hits, fans of SLAB! or not, will be hooked right in for the ride. To close out the thirty-minute tour is remix of the second track on the album, ‘Resentment Always Simmers’, entitled ‘Resentment is Always Seismic (Dark Sky Burial Dirge)’. Bassist Shane Embury gave birth to this gorgeous take of the earlier track and mixing in tons of noise and atmosphere. It is not often I can say I lose myself in a Napalm Death song, but this is certainly one of those times as the drums and bass work together to keep the low end monotonous, yet eerie, while the atmosphere drags you into another world.
Napalm Death certainly has nothing to prove after all of these years, yet they still continue to bring their own blend of grindcore release after release. Resentment is Always Seismic – a final throw of Throes is no different in this regard as they show just how versatile they are as musicians, and really music fans themselves. What is most astonishing is that these recordings were done in the same session for their previous album, did not make it on the album, yet here they are on this mini-album and work together brilliantly. Between this practice of turning “B-sides” into a second release and the genre bending evolution that this group has been going through, there will not be many left to doubt these legends.
Buy the EP here: https://napalmdeath.lnk.to/ResentmentIsAlwaysSeismic-AFinalThrowOfThroesID
8 / 10
TIM LEDIN