Limited on 500 copies on 180 gram vinyl! This was the very first effort from these worldwide Grindcore living legend - Napalm Death - released in July 1987 under wellknown Earache Recs. One thing that actually emerges in the way of music from "Scum" is a parade of strongly anarchic punk-influenced metal songs most of which are no longer than a minute or two and are hardly more than blasts of guitar anger and guttural roar. Other songs have basic riffs and melodies with maybe slightly more comprehensible lyrics and a rare guitar solo. On Side 1, the early songs go so fast and the singing can be such a blurry mess on most tracks that it's easy to get lost. Drumming consists of Harris mustering as much energy he can at once to bash the skins and foot pedals. This album also essentially a split LP between two almost completely different lineups, defined grindcore with its growled vocals, whirring, hardcore-influenced riffs and faster than a locomotive blast beats. Its fusion of anarcho-punk and death metal would inspire countless bands, and every musician who played on it would go on to do something extraordinary. Napalm Death's debut album, Scum, was recorded throughout 1986 and released in 1987, and defines grindcore music to this day. Mick Harris, the drummer, was the first to coin the term, and the band was the first to apply a sound to the genre. While there were bands playing the same sort of music, it was Napalm Death who gave it direction and shaped it into what it is today. Sonically it represents to me social decay, our regression back to primitivism in the democratic age. On the other hand, it's very fun and intense listening, and catchy also. Ultimately, it is a great sound with power and intensity rarely matched Napalm Death will probably never get inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, but they sure know how to get the listener's head banging. This is absolutley essential listening for all death metal/grindcore fans, and metalheads in general. Alltime classic!
