Napalm Death
The Code is Red....Long Live the Code

July 2005
Released: 2005, Century Media
Rating: 4.0/5
Reviewer: Anders Sandvall

The guys released their first album “Scum” in 87 and I think that everyone already knows what kind of music this legends plays, or rather invented. But I can say it again, the music they play is fast aggressive thrash metal/ hardcore/punk with social criticism and if you add all that together you’ll get grindcore. They are about to follow up their latest studio album from 2002 called “Order of the Leech”. The band have also switched labels and the latest release LEADERS NOT FOLLOWERS PT2 was their first release on their current label.



When you buy and album by these gentlemen you’re pretty sure of what you’re going to get. It’s angry grindcore and nothing else and either you like it or not but I think that fans of these icons buy the album just because it’s Napalm Death.



THE CODE IS RED… LONG LIVE THE CODE is recorded in Foel Studios that’s located in Wales by the producer Russ Russell. Productionwise sounds Napalm Death as always, it’s aggressive/angry/hard/fast and brutal with no exceptions. There aren’t any slightly calmer passages, this is straight-in-your-face-grindcore at its best.



In a raging speed the band runs through 15 tracks in 45 minutes. The band have brought along a few guests in Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys, Lard) in the song “The Great and the Good”, Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed) assists Barney in two songs “Instruments of Persuasions” and “Sold Short”. And finally, the last guest is no one else than Jeff Walker (Carcass) that contributes with b-vox on “Pledge Yourself to You”.



Lyric wise it seems like the band are still as critical to society as always, Barney says “For sure I am no pacifist, but over the years I’ve learned to look at things with a little more distance. But don’t worry, you’re not gonna notice this distance when “The code is red...” blows your speakers”.

All of the 15 songs feels great and the material keeps a high quality through the entire album. It sounds typical Napalm Death and this is another genius album but the old grindcore masters.



I don’t think that anyone is gonna be disappointed on what this album has to offer and it’s amazing that Napalm Death still, after 18 years, keeps a steady grip around the listeners. The tour has already begun and if they’re coming to a town near you don’t you dare to miss them!. There’s only one thing to say – The code is red...long live Napalm Death!