Much maligned and ridiculed, Napalm Death have had more than their fair share of knockers and doubters. Yet here they are twenty two years on from the release of 'Scum' celebrating the release of album number thirteen still looking to push boundaries and as uncompromising as ever. If time has taught us one thing, to write Napalm Death off is to do so at your peril as these Brummie stalwarts appear to thrive on the negativity thrown at them.

With this back drop in mind we find Napalm in some deadly form, 'Time' being one of the more progressive releases to come from the Napalm camp in some time. 'The Code Is Red...Long Live the Code' is rightfully seen as the kick starter to the second wave of a resurgent Napalm Death but it is with this release and 'Smear Campaign' that you can really say the Napalm of old are back.

Strong-Arm' jumps starts the album in a thunderous cacophony, raging into the equally vicious 'Diktat' in what seems like break neck speed. There is however a feeling that a great deal more influences have permeated their way into the writing and subsequently onto the album than in the past, with of elements of Thrash and Punk as prevalent as the good old Grind. Mitch Harris's guitar sound still remains as savage as a razor blade sandwich and the corner stone of any Napalm Death song worth it's salt, while Danny Herrera defies human imagination with his mesmeric speed.

We all know Napalm Death are not so much creators of Grind, more Gods of Grind and countless bands both old and young continue to draw influence from their every release. Unlike many of their piers however Napalm Death have fought their way through the adversity continuing to be true to themselves and the music which they produce. It is credit to them and those that follow them that after so much time we still find ourselves enthusing about a Napalm release. The shock value is long gone but the overall impact remains undeniable.