A live DVD from Napalm Death (ND from now on). What do you expect from it? Exactly. Pure aggressive energy. No flashy stage sets, lighting, image etc. ND do what is the most important thing in live music; they deliver. So, if you want something else than excellent live music, look somewhere else. Maybe some Britney Spears video for you, then...

Main event was filmed in ULU, London on April 27th 2002. A benefit show for S.H.A.C. - the Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty campaing - against animal testing. ND are well known for their political and social commentary in their lyrics. In this gig, punks, metalheads and other fans of aural brutality gathered to witness a musical equivalent to *insert here whatever you find extremely ferocious*. Consisting of 28 songs, this is a nice overview of ND classics and newies and three covers. Even if I don't find all my faves here and some less favourite songs, this is a very enjoyable batch of songs, thanks to the band's unbelievably exact yet groovy performance. The crowd enjoys the show and "some" moshing, headbanging and stage diving can be seen. Only some bastard want to stand on stage for long time. The stage itself is quite small and guys can't move too much. Guitarists Mitch Harris and Jesse Pintado stand and headbang, bassist Shane Embury moves a bit more and vokillist Barney Greenway seems to follow same footsteps throughout the gig, between the front of the stage and a few steps back next to drums (well, he needs to drink because his growl/bark is certainly abusive for his throat). Talking about drums, Danny Herrera is unbelievable; how can a man play drums like that fast and accurate. As this is live, some of the songs are actually a bit faster than on record. Well, I've witnessed it with my own eyes and ears now and I can tell you this is a totally inhuman show! I can't still understand how this kind of talent can exist. ND's music is a mixture of punk, grindcore and death metal, and they sound fucking original as they have always sounded.

Picture is okay. This looks real, sharp and no effects are used. I think this was recorded with 6 or so cameras only, but this is enough, since the venue is quite small. Sound is great, with every instrument and vocals well audible, plus crowd noise. Basically it's completely WYSIWYG stuff.

Documentary is good for a ND newbie, and even long-term fans of the band might find something new. Every guy is interviewed, Barney and Shane talking most, Mitch and Jesse some and Danny only once. The documentary was recorded before the show. The tension grows nicely, I mean at first guys are calm, but towards the end they almost shit themselves, he. The extras are okay. Santiago concert is better with many cameras and okay sound, but the two Tokyo songs are of pure bootleg quality. One camera in the crowd, but still the songs are easily recognizable. A short history etc. could have been nice. A small booklet is included.

This DVD is a must for those who want pure live energy and all other stuff is secondary. This kind of ferocity is rarely seen on DVD. ND fans should love it, others will love it. If they do not go deaf.

Rating: 8 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
03/17/2004 20:52