Harmony Corruption (1990) - Napalm Death

 

Released on July 1, 1990, Harmony Corruption marks a pivotal moment in Napalm Death's evolution, transitioning from their grindcore roots to a more death metal-oriented sound. This third studio album is notable for introducing vocalist Mark "Barney" Greenway and guitarists Mitch Harris and Jesse Pintado, while being the last to feature drummer Mick Harris. Recorded at Morrisound Recording in Tampa, Florida—a hub for death metal at the time—the album reflects the influence of the burgeoning Florida death metal scene.

Tracklist:

  1. Vision Conquest – 2:41
  2. If the Truth Be Known – 4:11
  3. Inner Incineration – 2:56
  4. Malicious Intent – 3:26
  5. Unfit Earth – 5:03
  6. Circle of Hypocrisy – 3:15
  7. The Chains That Bind Us – 4:07
  8. Mind Snare – 3:41
  9. Extremity Retained – 2:01
  10. Suffer the Children – 4:20

Harmony Corruption signifies a deliberate shift towards a structured death metal approach, characterized by technical riffs and deeper vocals.The album opens with "Vision Conquest," setting an aggressive tone that persists throughout.Tracks like "If the Truth Be Known" and "Inner Incineration" showcase the band's embrace of complex song structures, while "Malicious Intent" delivers relentless intensity.

"Unfit Earth" stands out, featuring guest vocals from Glen Benton of Deicide and John Tardy of Obituary, further cementing the album's connection to the Florida death metal scene.The track's collaborative nature adds depth to its brutal composition

The album's centerpiece, "Suffer the Children," encapsulates the band's refined sound, blending ferocious instrumentation with thought-provoking lyrics.This track was also released as a single, accompanied by a music video, and remains a staple in the band's live performances.

Harmony Corruption represents a significant transformation in Napalm Death's discography. The incorporation of death metal elements and the introduction of new band members brought a fresh dynamic to their music. "Suffer the Children" stands out as a personal favorite, exemplifying the band's ability to merge intensity with memorable songwriting.

While some long-time fans may have been initially divided over the stylistic shift, the album's impact on the death metal genre is undeniable. Its production quality, courtesy of producer Scott Burns, and the band's technical proficiency make it a compelling listen for enthusiasts of extreme metal.

In retrospect, Harmony Corruption serves as a testament to Napalm Death's willingness to evolve and experiment, solidifying their status as pioneers in the metal community.

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