Smear Campaign by Napalm Death

“Unquestionably the most influential band in extreme music’s ferocious history.”

Albert Mudrian, the author of Choosing Death: The Improbable History Of Death Metal & Grindcore

Two decades after inventing grindcore, NAPALM DEATH continue to demonstrate that their work is far from done. “In the intervening years, there have been changes, but the mission has remained the same: to outlast every trend, never compromise, provide a political voice for the voiceless, and create the most brutal, challenging music on earth” (Outburn Magazine, USA). Smear Campaign, the band’s sophomore Century Media studio album, exhibits every one of these traits, this time concentrating on the theme of why we should not just accept religion and moral codes into our lives, which limit our desire to trust in ourselves. Passionately anti-war, pro-animal rights, and outspoken on social issues, the band never shy from standing up for their beliefs. Again produced by Russ Russel, who worked with the band on their last three albums, and returning to Wales’ Foel Studios (My Bloody Valentine, Porcupine Tree, Godflesh), where the band recorded 2005’s The Code Is Red...Long Live The Code they have once again concocted an explosive cocktail of the band’s classic trademarks, increasing variety and flow by adding an even more extreme contrast of sheer brutality teaming up with irresistible groovy mid-pace attacks. So how is it? “Well, if you liked the previous three Napalm studio albums, then this will melt your face off. There are a few blasters, a couple Swans-influenced tracks (think “Morale” only way better) where Barney abandons his classic trademark titanic roar in favor of more traditional clean vocals - don’t worry, it sounds awesome. Elsewhere, there’s a couple other tunes that really incorporate the dissonant, angular guitar breaks featured on Diatribes, albeit presented in the post new millennium Napalm musical context (i.e. fucking vicious)” (Decibel Magazine, USA). The Gathering’s Anneke Van Giersbergen furthermore accepted the invitation to add some enchanting female vocal lines to the album, which enrich the intro “Weltschmerz” and the song “In Deference” with a morbidly atmospheric twist.

A metal label with diverse tastes, Century Media arose from humble origins as a bedroom label based out of Dortmund, Germany in 1989 and have expanded greatly over the past 30+ years.

Acting as a beacon of professionality, reliability, and an unwavering dedication and passion to the most important thing of all – the music – Century Media are a flagship label in the metal and hard rock fields.

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