.::. NAPALM DEATH .::.

Originating from Birmingham, England in the early 80's, the line up for side one of their 'Scum' debut of 1986 (Mick Harris (drums), Justin Broadrick (guitar), Nik Bullen (bass/vocals) had already gone through many changes. It changed once again for side two of 'Scum', with Broadrick departing for Head of David and later Godflesh, to be replaced by Bill Steer, Bullen replaced by Jim Whitely, and one Lee Dorrian taking over vocal duties. Finally released in 1987, 'Scum' did phenomenally well for all its anti-commercial ferocity, and the band set out on their first tour of any length. However, there was more line up switch, with Shane Embury replacing Whitely on bass, before this more concrete line up went on to record a string of uncompromising releases (two John Peel Radio sessions, tracks on the 'North Atlantic Noise Attack' and 'Pathological' compilations, and an infamous Napalm/SOB split flexi) that saw them through to August 1989, establishing themselves as the foremost grindcore act. But, no-one could have predicted the mind shattering 'From Enslavement to Obliteration' LP, featuring a staggering 54 tracks on CD, often lasting no more than a matter of seconds and completely turning the musical rule book on its head. The Napalm Death steamroller gathered momentum, and a six track 12" 'Mentally Murdered' gained the band further acclaim and notoriety. Various television appearances followed, including the bands domineering presence on BBC 2's 'Arena Heavy Metal Special', and Napalm began venturing further afield from the typical European circuit. In July '89 they embarked on a highly successful Japanese tour, but the escalating recognition could not prevent another split in the ranks upon their return, as Dorrian and Steer decided they'd had enough. Both found success with new projects, Cathedral and Carcass respectively, whilst instant replacements were drafted in, with Mark 'Barney' Greenway (ex-Benediction) coming in on vocals, and Jesse Pintado from grind supremos Terrorizer coming in on guitar. Napalm Death had toured massively worldwide and with all the pressures associated with that lifestyle led to a rift between Mick Harris and the rest of the band. Deciding to leave, Harris founded the successful ambient dub outfit Scorn, whilst his vacant place was filled by Danny Herrara, whose first live gig was in front of 3000 fans in Germany. An extensive US jaunt with Sepultura, Sacred Reich and Sick of It All followed, together with a short trip to Russia, playing to a combined audience of 14000 over two shows. 'Diatribes' certainly retained all of Napalm Death's trademark power, but a certain maturity had developed into a tightly focuss... historia completa »