The Making of Harmony Corruption by Napalm Death

Introduction

Few albums have had the seismic impact of Napalm Death’s Harmony Corruption. Released on 1 July 1990, this album marked a pivotal shift for the band, propelling them from their grindcore roots into the broader realms of death metal. Produced by the legendary Scott Burns at the renowned Morrisound Recording studio in Tampa, Florida, Harmony Corruption stands as a testament to the transformative power of metal music. This article will delve into the genesis of the album, its recording process, commercial performance, and enduring legacy.

Through detailed analysis and anecdotes from those involved, we aim to provide the most comprehensive resource on Harmony Corruption. We will explore its cultural impact, the evolution of Napalm Death, and the album’s critical reception, offering insights into why it remains a touchstone in the history of extreme music.

Napalm Death’s shift in musical direction with Harmony Corruption had a profound impact on the genre, opening doors for the death metal scene and influencing countless bands worldwide. Shane Embury, the band’s bassist, remarked, “It turned a lot of people on to the band who I guess had never given us the time of day, but also turned old-school fans off.” This duality highlights the album’s significant role in bridging musical styles and audiences.

The Genesis of “Harmony Corruption”

To understand the genesis of Harmony Corruption, one must first appreciate the fertile musical landscape of the late 1980s. This period saw a burgeoning death metal scene, particularly in Florida, where Morrisound Recording was becoming a Mecca for the genre. Napalm Death, originally from Birmingham, England, were at a crossroads following their first two grindcore albums. They sought to evolve their sound, leading to the creation of an album that would marry the intensity of grindcore with the complexity of death metal.

Prior to Harmony Corruption, Napalm Death had released Scum (1987) and From Enslavement to Obliteration (1988), both of which established them as pioneers of grindcore. However, internal changes were afoot, with the departure of original vocalist Lee Dorrian and guitarist Bill Steer. This led to the introduction of Mark “Barney” Greenway on vocals and guitarists Mitch Harris and Jesse Pintado, all of whom brought new influences and energy to the band.

Key contributors to the album included Shane Embury on bass and Mick Harris on drums, with the songwriting being a collaborative effort. The album also featured guest vocals from Glen Benton of Deicide and John Tardy of Obituary on the track “Unfit Earth,” further cementing its death metal credentials.

Below is a table of the band members and their roles during the production of Harmony Corruption:

The recording of Harmony Corruption was financed by Earache Records, with a budget that allowed the band to work with Scott Burns, a producer renowned for his work with death metal acts. The album’s title reflects the band’s thematic exploration of societal and political discord, while the artwork, created by David Windmill, visually encapsulates the chaos and intensity of the music.

Recording Process

The recording sessions for Harmony Corruption took place at Morrisound Recording in Tampa, Florida, a studio synonymous with the death metal genre. From January to March 1990, Napalm Death immersed themselves in the studio’s state-of-the-art facilities, working alongside producer Scott Burns, whose expertise in capturing the brutality and precision of death metal was unparalleled.

Morrisound Recording, founded by Jim and Tom Morris, was equipped with advanced technology, including Solid State Logic Duality consoles and Genelec monitors, providing a pristine audio environment. Scott Burns, having previously worked with bands like Death and Obituary, brought his extensive experience to the project, ensuring that the album’s production met the high standards of the burgeoning death metal scene.

Below is a table detailing the likely hardware used during the recording of Harmony Corruption, based on the equipment known to be available at Morrisound Recording at the time:

The recording process was not without its challenges. The band had to adapt to the new environment and the presence of a producer who pushed them to refine their sound. Shane Embury recalled, “It was a bit of a culture shock, but it was what we needed to take our music to the next level.”

Scott Burns’ prolific career as a producer includes an array of influential albums. Below is a table of notable albums he produced:

Commercial Performance and Reception

Upon its release, Harmony Corruption achieved modest commercial success, charting at number 67 on the UK Albums Chart. Despite not breaking into the mainstream, the album’s influence on the death metal genre was profound, as it introduced Napalm Death to a broader audience and cemented their status as pioneers of extreme music.

Other albums released in 1990 by similar artists included:

• Spiritual Healing by Death [Physical Sales: 50,000]
• Cause of Death by Obituary [Physical Sales: 100,000]
• Deicide by Deicide [Physical Sales: 75,000]

Despite not receiving any major awards, the album’s legacy is undeniable, influencing a generation of metal musicians and solidifying Napalm Death’s place in music history.

Singles and Track Analysis

The release of Harmony Corruption was accompanied by the single “Suffer the Children,” which became one of the band’s most enduring tracks. Released in August 1990, it was praised for its powerful message and relentless energy.

Below is a table of tracks from Harmony Corruption along with their meanings:

Note: “Suffer The Children” was released as a single.

Influences and Legacy

The creation of Harmony Corruption was influenced by a variety of musical styles and artists, reflecting the band’s desire to expand their sonic palette. The incorporation of death metal elements was inspired by contemporaries such as Death and Obituary, both of whom were also recorded at Morrisound.

Below is a table detailing the influences on Harmony Corruption and the artists it subsequently influenced:

Released in 1990, Harmony Corruption emerged in a year marked by significant global events. The world witnessed the fall of the Berlin Wall, the reunification of Germany, and the release of Nelson Mandela, each contributing to a sense of change and possibility. Culturally, the film Ghost captivated audiences, becoming the highest-grossing film of the year, while the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope expanded humanity’s view of the cosmos.

Five Things about Harmony Corruption

Here are five intriguing facts about Harmony Corruption:

Media and Television Usage

While Harmony Corruption is a landmark album in extreme metal, its tracks have rarely been featured in mainstream media. Below is a table of known media appearances:

Critical Reviews and Retrospectives

The critical reception of Harmony Corruption has been diverse, reflecting its polarizing nature. Encyclopaedia Metallum described the album as “a turning point in grindcore,” while Decibel Magazine highlighted its significance in extreme music history. Sputnikmusic rated it 4.0 out of 5, noting its strong vocals and instrumentation but critiquing its production quality.

Below is a table of notable reviews and scores:

After Harmony Corruption

Following the release of Harmony Corruption, Napalm Death continued to evolve their sound, releasing Utopia Banished in 1992, which further solidified their position in the death metal genre. The band underwent several lineup changes, with Mick Harris departing and Danny Herrera joining as the new drummer.

Despite these changes, Napalm Death maintained their reputation for intense live performances and continued to release critically acclaimed albums. As of 17 October 2024, the band remains active, with their most recent album, Throes of Joy in the Jaws of Defeatism, released in 2020, showcasing their enduring relevance in the metal scene.

Remasters and Reissues

Over the years, Harmony Corruption has seen several remasters and reissues, ensuring its continued availability to new generations of metal fans. Below is a table of notable reissues:

Conclusion

In conclusion, Harmony Corruption remains a landmark album in the history of extreme metal, reflecting a pivotal moment in Napalm Death’s evolution. Its fusion of grindcore and death metal continues to inspire musicians and fans alike. Shane Embury reflected, “It captured a moment in time when we were discovering new possibilities in our music.” For further reading, visit the Wikipedia page for Harmony Corruption, the official Napalm Death website, and Earache Records.

Let us know in the comments what your thoughts are on Harmony Corruption by Napalm Death. Did we miss anything? Share your experiences and join the conversation!