Disco de Napalm Death: “Punishment in Capitals [Digipak]”

The name Napalm Death is synonymous with quality, but this 28-song live collection is ridiculously good. It features one of my favorite ND albums, the grindcore comeback Enemy of the Music Business, much like Bootlegged in Japan features songs from Diatribes. This has seven tracks from Enemy, including the Napalm anthem and the song that functions as the title track to that album, Can't Play Won't Pay. But, it also offers material from every other major release up through 2002, including a song from Order of the Leech, which was still months away from being released when this show was recorded. Punishment in Capitals is definitely another must-have if you're a fan.

As far as the rest of the song selection, the staples like Unchallenged Hate and Suffer the Children will always be there, so the question is not about their presence, but the sound. On this, it's a 10. Bootlegged in Japan had some great songs, and the sound quality really wasn't that bad, but many complained that Barney's vocals were uncharacteristically muffled. The production on Punishment is awesome. It's produced like a proper live album, and makes Bootlegged sound like...well, a bootleg. Clear, very strong and intense vocals from Barney, all instruments clear and distinguishable; like I said, it's another must-have for fans.

Anyway, besides the mandatory songs, you get Politicians and Back From the Dead off the first Leaders Not Followers, which I think were both great choices to put in the live set. Also, Instinct of Survival and Deceiver from Scum, and Cleanse Impure from Words From the Exit Wound made it in. This cd is a highly recommended five stars for anyone who likes Napalm Death. It might be the best live release of their career.

if you love Napalm Death then this is a must have! The sound quality is much better than the "Bootleg" recordings, but still leaves a little to be desired. A first time N.D. listener would be lost in the brutal time changes and aggressive transition. Nontheless, it does capture the raw power of the kings of grind-core.I would recommend buying the c.d.\d.v.d. combo. If you've never seen them live, the d.v.d. is a close second to the real thing.