Countdown to MDF X: (40) Godflesh

Recently re-formed post-metal industrial, noise band Godflesh provides an unusual ending to the Friday night festivities of the 2012 Maryland Deathfest. I, for one, will be excited to see them live. Founded in Birmingham, UK in 1986 under the name of the Killing Joke song, Fall of Because, Godflesh gained ground throughout the 1990s among fans of more hard-edged industrial/electronic metal. The frequent use of drum machines and programmed soundscapes defines Godflesh as children of the technology explosion going on around them at the time.

Godflesh has certainly derived inspiration from Killing Joke, which at least for a while was one of the darker bands of the 80s. Unfortunately, as they slipped further into disco-y beats and plaintive vocals, Killing Joke lost the grit of their first self-titled album. Godflesh’s songs recorded more than 20 years ago, however, somehow remain fresh and almost progressive today. Godflesh’s penchant for slowing down the tempo and for sound experimentation has probably helped them maintain their edge. They also credit bands such as Black Sabbath, Swans and Throbbing Gristle for their inspiration.

There has not been a new Godflesh recording since 2001, and in 2002, the band parted ways. The two original members, Justin Broadrick (vocals, guitars) and G.C. Green (bass), along with Ted Parsons (the occasional human drummer since 1996) reunited in late 2009 to begin playing some festivals and short tours. There have been rumors of new material. but nothing yet. They do have several free mp3s available for download from their lovingly maintained since 1995 website, aptly named Crumbling Flesh. Everything you ever wanted to know about Godflesh, and then some, can be found there. 

Countdown to MDF X: (41) Napalm Death

Since none of the founding members of Napalm Death remain in the band, you could view this seminal grindcore band in several ways. For example, you could perceive them as an ideology, with each member who came afterward as perpetuating and developing that philosophy. Or you could see them like a brand, changing and evolving to reflect the times, but maintaining an identity that somehow continues to resonate with their audience.

While bands are frequently linked to strong personalities and identities, such is not the case with Napalm Death. And perhaps for this bastard child of post-punk anarchy, that is fitting.  The band first came into existence in 1981 in Birmingham, England (the so-called birthplace of heavy metal). Today Napalm Death members include Shane Embury (bass since 1987), Mark "Barney" Greenway (vocals since 1990), Mitch Harris (guitarist since 1989), Danny Herrera (drums since 1991).

What should you listen to get ready for their performance on Friday night, May 25 at the Maryland Deathfest? Certainly something from their new release, Utilitarian. Then of course, something very old too, like from the group's very first recording, Scum. What about something slow and doomy from The Code is Red....Long Live the Code. Here songs from those three albums. Enjoy.