Grindcore stalwarts, NAPALM DEATH, have officially signed a record deal with Century Media Records, a label who’s roster boasts some of underground metal’s most successful acts, past and present. An unlikely move for a band rooted in DIY ethics who once released an album called Enemy of the Music Business, reflecting their displeasure with past label experiences. Vocalist, Mark “Barney” Greenway, reasoned on the signing:
“I’m very happy to announce that NAPALM DEATH has signed a recording deal with Century Media. We did heavily consider releasing albums ourselves, but it would’ve been too much for any of us to handle at this point in time. It was important for us to be able to rely on a label, for once, that would not only potentially pay royalties due, but also that had an all-round support network where we didn’t have to always rely on ourselves for everything in terms of pushing the band forward. I have been proved horribly wrong over putting faith in labels many times in the past, but it seems that the current staff at Century Media have assured us that they will do their utmost to help us in all areas. Here’s hoping that spirit continues.”
The band’s first release for the Century Media will be the much talked about collection of covers, Leaders Not Followers 2. The album also features an appearance on two songs by Jim Whiteley, the band’s original bass player. Bassist Shane Embury explains Whiteley’s surprising guest appearance:
“Well basically Jim and I have remained friends over the years and have shared many nights out in Birmingham, and I thought it would be a good idea to get him playing on a couple of tracks for fun as well as for personal reasons really as I think his input into the band in the early days was sorely overlooked. His lyrics on the B-side of Scum are for me unique…”
Here is the final tracklisting of the album:
1. CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER - “Lowlife”
2. THE OFFENDERS - “Face Down In The Dirt”
3. DEVESTATION - “Devastation”
4. HELLHAMMER - “Messiah”
5. ANTI-CIMEX - “Victims of a Bomb Raid”
6. WHERMACHT - “Fright Night”
7. DISCHARGE “War’s No Fairytale”
6. SEIGE - “Conform”
10. MASTER - “Master”
11. INSANITY - “Fire Death Fate”
12. KREATOR - “Riot of Violence”
13. ANTI-CIMEX - “Game of the Arseholes”
14. MASSACRE - “Clangor Of War”
15. ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT - “Dope Fiend”
16. DIE KREUZEN - “I’m Tired”
17. SEPULTURA - “Troops of Doom”
18. THE DAYGLO ABORTIONS - “Bedtime Story”
19. AGNOSTIC FRONT - “Blind Justice”
20. HIRAX - “Hate, Fear and Power”