Virginian party thrashers Municipal Waste first exploded on to the thrash renaissance scene at the turn of the century, producing a slew of albums that eventually saw them garner the attention of Nuclear Blast, who issued The Fatal Feast in 2012. Slime and Punishment represents their first record in five years, and whilst their productivity may have slowed in recent times, there’s no sign of the music slowing, as they tear through 14 new songs in under half an hour.
Those familiar with Municipal Waste will already know what they’re getting here. For the uninitiated, expect short, sharp blasts of crossover thrash with plenty of punk and hardcore leanings, expertly complimented by a roomy mix courtesy of Bill Metoyer. The guitar tone is razor sharp, giving the faster riffs a savage malice, whilst the slower moments have an incredibly satisfying crunch. The bass is given prominence, highlighting some deft playing from the humorously named four stringer Land Phil. The punchy drum sound effectively strengthens the rhythmic foundations laid down by Dave Witte, whose exuberance and speed behind the kit continues to serve the group well.
The album’s greatest strength, and by extension, that of the band, is also its greatest weakness. Having been around for closing in on two decades now, they have been able to steadily refine and hone their sound to the point that they’re very proficient at what they do. This proficiency is also a trapping of sorts, as whilst they’re undeniably good at spitting out abrupt slices of vicious, speedy metal assaults, that is all they ever really do. There seems to be a reluctance to expand beyond the boundaries that they have set for themselves, and although this will likely delight those who look to the band for a reliable, dependent thrash dispensing service, it is a little disappointing, as I’ve no doubt that the ability is there for the group to try something different. An element of predictability also creeps in as the album wears on, with song progressions becoming formulaic as you sit and wait for the customary mid tempo interlude that breaks up the thrashing fury to arrive.
Despite the negativity in the preceding paragraph, it has to be said that there isn’t really much wrong with a lot of the songs on Slime and Punishment. There are a few that come across as half baked and unfinished (“Enjoy the Night”, “Shrednecks”), but most of them are well executed. It’s often remarked how difficult it is to write long, epic songs, but the same can also be said of shorter tracks that hover around the two minute mark. It can be quite a challenge to cram a fully developed track that ebbs and flows smoothly into such a short duration, but Municipal Waste have become quite adept at it. Although the general lack of variation with regards to the songwriting approach is a flaw, the multiude of high quality riffs and frenzied, focused potency of the album makes up for it; the band repeatedly weaving in and out of thrash, punk and hardcore with consummate ease. Surprisingly, for a band that has built it’s reputation on its frenetic nature, it’s the more measured material that stands above the rest when all is said and done. The title track is probably the most straightforward song here; a kick ass, mid tempo headbanger with some searing lead work. “Poison the Preacher” is a restrained thrasher that covers a lot of ground in a flash, it’s sense of progression belying the 122 second run time. “Parole Violators” could’ve been a contender for the throne as well; however, the punky number’s exquisite balance of groove and speed is ruined by some embarassing voiceover work in the latter half of the song.
Five years away from the studio has certainly not dulled the blade that Municipal Waste wield. Slime and Punishment treads no new ground, but furthers the band’s status as one of the premier crossover acts today. The album offers long time fans another half hour of what they know and love, whilst also acts as suitable a point as any for curious listeners to jump in for the first time.
Rating: 3.5/5
Highlights: “Poison the Preacher”, “Slime and Punishment”
Links: Facebook, Official Website
Slime and Punishment is available worldwide now, via Nuclear Blast Records.
