NATIONAL NAPALM SYNDICATE — Devolution of Species (review)

NATIONAL NAPALM SYNDICATE — Devolution of Species album cover Album · 2009 · Thrash Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
UMUR
"Devolution of Species" is the third full-length studio album by Finnish thrash metal act National Napalm Syndicate. The album was released through Violent Journey Records in April 2009. It´s the successor to "Resurrection of the Wicked" from 2006 and features the exact same quartet lineup who recorded the predecessor. National Napalm Syndicate formed in 1986 and released their eponymously titled debut full-length studio album in 1989. The band split-up on 1991 but reunited in 2002 with a new lineup. They are often mentioned among the seminal harder edged thrash metal acts from the 1980s Finnish scene (along with artists like Faff-Bey, Mengele, Protectec Illusion, and A.R.G.).

"Resurrection of the Wicked" wasn´t a return to the aggessive and raw thrash metal of the band´s past though, and "Devolution of Species" continues the more melodic thrash/heavy metal direction of the comeback album. It´s artists like Megadeth and Flotsam and Jetsam I´m reminded of. Lead vocalist Ilkka Järvenpää has a raw screaming delivery (which doesn´t sound much like the band´s I just mentioned), the riffs are heavy and sometimes thrashy, while the leads- and harmony guitars stack up. This is both a pretty heavy but also very melodic thrash/heavy metal release.

National Napalm Syndicate are a well playing unit (and Järvenpää´s vocals provide the music with a distinct sound) and fortunately they don´t sound like a dinosaur comeback act. This is both potent and intense music performed with the right amount of attitude, passion, and conviction. The band can write effective and memorable songs too, although the almost constant mid-pace heaviness could have been spiced up with some faster sections, which would have made the album a bit more varied. Other than that I have very few things I want to mention as issues. "Devolution of Species" features a sharp, professional, and detailed sounding production job, which suits the music well, so it´s a quality release in all departments. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.
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