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Album Reviews : Municipal Waste – Slime and Punishment

By on June 15, 2017

Municipal Waste is a crossover thrash band from Richmond, Virginia. It’s been five years since the self-dubbed ‘speed metal punks’ released their last record (The Fatal Feast, 2012), but they’re back with a vengeance on their 6th album entitled Slime and Punishment.

I’ve always had a soft spot for Municipal Waste. They take the mosh-tastic riffs from thes likes of Anthrax and Nuclear Assault and combine it with the hardcore edge of seminal crossover bands like S.O.D, Suicidal Tendencies and D.R.I. Couple that with lyrics which are often light hearted or focused on running amok, and it’s hard not to see the appeal. Great live band too.. but I digress.

This album is the first album for the band as a 5 piece with Nick “Nikropolis” Poulos added to the fold on guitars. Despite the addition of another member, the sound on this release remains very true to the established Municipal Waste sound. There are a few instances of harmonised guitar lines and what not, but you get the impression the new member has been added to the line up to beef up the live sound more than any real change to the bands approach to writing and playing.

Tony Foresta’s vocal delivery on this release is typically light hearted yet aggressive and the rest of the band sound like they’re in fine form too. I really like the production on this album, especially the drum sound and the bass tone. Land Phil’s bass grumbles away below the guitars in a similar way to what Frank Bello’s tone on the seminal Anthrax releases of the 1980s.

Slime and Punishment seems to be purpose made for stage diving and general neck destruction. 14 tracks might seem long if you take a glance at the track listing but with a total run time of less than 30 mins this is far from a hard slog or a marathon. I enjoy every single track on this album – each song is packed full with great riffing and break neck groove. Standout tracks include Shrednecks, Bourbon Discipline, Think Fast & Slime and Punishment . Sure, if I was going to be critical for the sake of it I might point out that lot of material is pretty similar to the rest of the material in their back catalogue, but that shouldn’t  come as a surprise. Afterall, If it aint broke, don’t fix it!

Municipal Waste aren’t breaking into new territory here but they have created another quality album which will be lapped up by new and old fans alike. Highly recommended.

Band: Municipal Waste
Album: Slime and Punishment
Year: 2017
Genre: Thrash Metal
Label:  Nuclear Blast Records
Origin: USA

About

Chris is a long time metal enthusiast and advocate for Australian heavy music scene. Chris grew up in Perth, Western Australia and is a past member of modern melodeath act Let's Kill Uncle. Currently residing in London, UK.