Melvins and Napalm Death have made a record that wants to be two things at once: a brutal death-metal statement and a loose, unhinged rock record. Savage Imperial Death March is the sound of two bands that have been doing this for decades deciding to stop playing it safe. The result is uneven, but it’s also thrilling in a way that most metal records aren’t.
The record is a collaboration between Buzz Osborne of the Melvins and Barney Greenway of Napalm Death. It’s built around six tracks that range from three-and-a-half minutes to nine-and-a-half, and it moves between grinding sludge and melodic rock with surprising ease.
Opening With Tossing Coins
The album starts with “Tossing Coins Into the Fountain of Fuck,” a track that sets the tone immediately. It’s a slow, heavy crawl with a chorus that sounds like it was recorded in a damp basement. The song doesn’t overstay its welcome, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a warm-up, and it works.
“Some Kind of Antichrist” follows, and it’s the centerpiece of the record. At nine minutes, it’s the longest track here, and it earns every second. The song builds from a crawling riff into a full-on wall of noise, with Greenway’s vocals pushing through the chaos. It’s the kind of track that rewards repeated listens, and it’s the best thing on the record.
“Nine Days of Rain” is shorter and more immediate. It’s a mid-tempo rocker with a hook that sticks, and it’s one of the tracks that critics singled out for a reason. It’s a breath of fresh air after the opener, and it shows the band can write a melody without losing their edge.
“Rip the God” is where the record gets experimental. It’s a slow, droning track that feels like it’s stretching out to fill space. It’s not bad, but it’s the weakest moment on the album. It’s the kind of track that works in context but wouldn’t stand on its own.
“Stealing Horses” picks things back up. It’s a straightforward rock song with a driving rhythm and a chorus that lands. It’s not as memorable as the highlights, but it holds the record together in the middle stretch.
The album closes with “Death Hour,” a six-minute closer that sums up everything the record is about. It’s heavy, it’s melodic, and it doesn’t apologize for being both at once. It’s the perfect ending to a record that knows exactly what it wants to be.
What Works And What Doesn’t
The record’s strength is its contrast. The Melvins bring a sludgy, unhurried approach, while Napalm Death bring the aggression. The two styles don’t always mesh, but when they do, the results are spectacular.
| Track | Length | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Tossing Coins Into the Fountain of Fuck | 3:18 | Warm-up |
| Some Kind of Antichrist | 9:22 | Highlight |
| Nine Days of Rain | 3:52 | Strong mid-point |
| Rip the God | 5:21 | Weak link |
| Stealing Horses | 4:30 | Middle-hold |
| Death Hour | 6:03 | Closer |
The album’s weaknesses are structural. “Rip the God” and the quieter moments feel like filler, and the record could have been tighter if it cut some of its longer stretches. But those missteps don’t undo the high points.
Here’s how the tracks rank:
- Some Kind of Antichrist
- Nine Days of Rain
- Death Hour
- Stealing Horses
- Tossing Coins Into the Fountain of Fuck
- Rip the God
The Fever Dream Scenario
Critics have described the record as “an excellent fever dream scenario, which takes some getting used to after waking up.” That’s a fair way to put it. This isn’t a record you’ll understand on first listen, but it rewards patience.
The production is raw and live-sounding, which suits the material. The guitars are thick and distorted, the drums are heavy, and the vocals range from growls to full-throated screams. It’s a record that sounds like it was recorded in a room with everyone crammed in together.
The record’s unevenness is part of its appeal. It’s not a polished, radio-friendly collection of songs. It’s a messy, aggressive document of two bands pushing against each other. That messiness is what makes it interesting.
Verdict
Savage Imperial Death March is a record that will divide listeners. Those who want clean, accessible metal will find the weaker tracks frustrating. Those who appreciate the grind and the noise will find plenty to love. The highlights are truly excellent, and the misses are easy to skip.
This is a record that demands attention, and it delivers when it counts. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s a strong addition to the catalog of both bands. The collaboration works because both parties respect each other’s strengths.
The final word: Savage Imperial Death March is a worthy addition to the discographies of both the Melvins and Napalm Death. It’s not a perfect record, but it’s a bold one. The highs are very high, and the lows are forgivable. It’s a fever dream that’s worth chasing.
- Tossing Coins Into the Fountain of Fuck3:18
- Some Kind of Antichrist9:22
- Nine Days of Rain3:52
- Rip the God5:21
- Stealing Horses4:30
- Death Hour6:03
