The band is recognized as pioneers of the grindcore genre, blending elements of crust punk and death metal. They are known for their noise-filled sound, characterized by distorted, down-tuned guitars, grinding overdrive bass, high-speed tempo, blast beats, and vocals consisting of incomprehensible growls or high-pitched shrieks. Their songs are exceptionally short, often featuring sociopolitical lyrics. Napalm Death gained substantial influence in the global metal community with the release of their debut album "Scum" in 1987, which was issued by Earache Records. Notably, their track "You Suffer" holds the Guinness World Record for the shortest recorded song, lasting a mere 1.316 seconds.
Over the years, Napalm Death has released sixteen studio albums and is recognized by Nielsen SoundScan as the seventh-best-selling death metal band in the United States.
Studio albums
Scum (1987)
From Enslavement to Obliteration (1988)
Harmony Corruption (1990)
Utopia Banished (1992)
Fear, Emptiness, Despair (1994)
Diatribes (1996)
Inside the Torn Apart (1997)
Words from the Exit Wound (1998)
Enemy of the Music Business (2000)
Order of the Leech (2002)
The Code Is Red...Long Live the Code (2005)
Smear Campaign (2006)
Time Waits for No Slave (2009)
Utilitarian (2012)
Apex Predator - Easy Meat (2015)
Throes of Joy in the Jaws of Defeatism (2020)
From the Ashes
Napalm Death Lyrics
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In this so-called scene.
Self righteous ´ leaders ª
With their own little dream.
Walls of confinement
Don't stray too far.
Evicted for maturing
Whilst they stagnate.
The lyrics to Napalm Death's song "From the Ashes" are a commentary and criticism of what the band views as the insular and stagnant nature of the music scene. The first few lines describe the presence of "bitterness" within this so-called scene, which is filled with "self-righteous leaders" who have their "own little dream." This is likely a dig at those who hold positions of power within the scene but are more concerned with their own personal goals and aspirations than the collective progress of the scene as a whole.
The second verse speaks directly to the experience of being a part of this scene, with lyrics describing the "walls of confinement" that prevent individuals from straying too far from the established norms and practices of the scene. The final line illustrates the consequences of deviating from these norms, with individuals being "evicted for maturing" while the scene itself remains stagnant and unchanged.
Overall, the lyrics to "From the Ashes" are a powerful critique of the insularity and lack of progress within the music scene, and they serve as a call to action for individuals to break free from these constraints and strive for change and growth within the community.
Line by Line Meaning
So much bitterness
There is a lot of resentment and negativity in this particular music scene.
In this so-called scene.
The singer considers the music scene to be questionable or fake in some way.
Self righteous 'leaders'
The people in charge of the scene believe they are morally superior and are judgmental towards others.
With their own little dream.
These leaders have their own visions and goals, which may not align with the dreams and aspirations of others in the scene.
Walls of confinement
The scene has become limiting and suffocating to some.
Don't stray too far.
There is pressure to conform and stay within certain boundaries within the scene.
Evicted for maturing
Those who attempt to progress or evolve musically are often cast aside or rejected by the scene.
Whilst they stagnate.
At the same time, those who remain stagnant and refuse to innovate are celebrated and rewarded within the scene.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Shane Embury
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind