Scum by Napalm Death
Scum is the first album by the English grindcore band Napalm Death, released in 1987 through Earache Records. Side A of the Scum album was originally recorded for £50.00 at Rich Bitch studio (Birmingham, England) in August 1986: it was intended to form part of a split release with the English crossover thrash band Atavistic on Manic Ears (Bristol, England). After an extensive line-up change, the second half of Scum was recorded in May 1987 at Rich Bitch studio. The album was released as a single album through Earache in July 1987. Notably, only drummer Mick Harris played on both sides of the album.
With their bilious debut, UK sonic reducers Napalm Death set about rudely destroying the concept of metal. Drawing on elements of death metal and punk, <i>Scum</i> is a maelstrom of breakneck blast beats, guttural screams and abrasive riffs intent on causing real damage. “Control” and “Sacrificed” sound like speakers splitting, while “You Suffer” is officially the shortest punk song ever, clocking in at just 0:04. This is no less than some of the gnarliest music ever committed to tape.
