Album Review: Municipal Waste – The Fatal Feast [8.5 out of 10]

By Andrew Bansal

Virginia-based crossover thrash heroes Municipal Waste have been doing their thing for more than a decade now, which is incredible in itself, because it seems like only yesterday when they released their debut full-length “Waste ‘Em All”. Based on the strength of their insane live performances and fun-filled music themed on topics like beer-drinking, partying, thrashing and mutation, the four-piece outfit has garnered quite a loyal and die-hard fan-following. Now, the band has signed to Nuclear Blast Records and are ready to begin life as a Nuclear Blast artist with “The Fatal Feast”, their label debut and fifth full-length album overall. 

The minute-long “Waste In Space” intro sets the theme for the album, and from that point on, the music can only be best described as quintessential Municipal Waste at its finest. They’ve stuck to their guns, coming up with a set of tunes that will certainly not disappoint any of their fans. While tunes like “Repossession”, “New Dead Masters”, “Unholy Abductor” and “Residential Disaster” have a vicious thrash vibe, there is no shortage of humor on this album, with songs like “Idiot Check”, “Covered In Sick-Barfer”, “You’re Cut Off” and “12 Step Program” coming in at opportune moments in the album. And then of course, there are plenty of other tunes on here that offer a bit of both. Even though this 38-minute effort is the longest album in the band’s career, I don’t think that will turn out to be a negative aspect. In fact, the length of the album makes it more dynamic, allowing the band to showcase all facets of their musicianship.

Overall, I would say this is pretty much exactly what I expected from the new Municipal Waste album, nothing more, nothing less. Guest musicians John Connelly from Nuclear Assault, Steve Moore from Zombi and ex-Avail vocalist Tim Barry have also made their contributions towards making this a kick-ass soundtrack for thrasher parties across the globe in 2012.

Judging from this newest album of theirs, one thing is clear to me. Even though Municipal Waste seem to be a more high-profile and “professional” band now with the Nuclear Blast signing, new gear endorsements, and the best album cover and promotional videos they’ve ever done, their music will always remain true to the roots, and will continue to satisfy those that brought them to where they are now, the fans. “The Fatal Feast” is a must-have for Waste fans.

Rating: 8.5/10

Track Listing:
01 – Waste In Space
02 – Repossession
03 – New Dead Masters
04 – Unholy Abductor
05 – Idiot Check
06 – Covered In Sick/The Barfer
07 – You’re Cut Off
08 – Authority Complex
09 – Standards And Practices
10 – Crushing Chest Wound
11 – The Monster With 21 Faces
12 – Jesus Freaks
13 – The Fatal Feast
14 – 12 Step Program
15 – Death Tax
16 – Residential Disaster

Record Label: Nuclear Blast
Release Dates:
April 10th 2012 (North America)
April 13th 2012 (Europe)

Links:
www.FACETHEWASTE.com
www.facebook.com/MUNICIPALWASTE

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