Scum by Napalm Death: Grindcore’s Explosive Genesis

Explicit

Scum by Napalm Death is one of the most important and influential extreme metal albums ever released. Put out in 1987 on Earache Records, it’s widely regarded as the birth point of grindcore—a genre that fused the speed and aggression of hardcore punk with the heaviness and brutality of death and thrash metal. The record is notorious for its breakneck pace, chaotic song structures, and vocals that veer between guttural growls and high-pitched screams.

The album is split into two distinct halves, reflecting its unusual recording process. The first side was recorded in 1986 with one lineup, featuring Nik Bullen on bass and vocals, Justin Broadrick on guitar, and Mick Harris on drums. The second side was recorded in 1987 with a nearly completely different lineup—Lee Dorrian on vocals, Jim Whitely on bass, Bill Steer on guitar, and aga ...