Description

A name like Needful Things, might not scream brutal grindcore, but this kill-machine plays a vicious form of Harmony era Napalm Death style grindcore that negates their interesting name choice. Formed in 1995 and following a string of split seven inch EP's, split tapes and compilation inclusions, Needful Things rose above numerous line-up changes to arrive at their debut album nine years later. Recorded in a mere five days in November 2004 at Collapse Studio under the watchful eye of Robocop (that's what it says my friend) the rough and ready outcome is Dead Point. It's a straight up, no frills, freight train of an album that sports many an obvious influence but stands tall as a surprisingly decent grind release from the Pardubice, Czech Republic based outfit. From the outset, Needful Things (Tomas – vocals, Otto – bass, Hroch – drums, Roman and David – guitars) go about destroying ear drums with Life in Lie, a traditional 'wall of distortion' mix in full effect. Highlight tracks Resignation, Entombed, Mental Level Zero, Disease Of Mind/True Lie, Phobia and Control all have clear standout moments that break up the flat out pace, be it solo bass-led riffs or mid paced bludgeonings. Hefty doses of 'd-beat' crustiness, death grind and pit inducing breakdowns litter the tracks, memorable riffing and crushing heavier moments making repeat listens all the more enjoyable. Killer overdriven bass and guitars churn away in a Rotten Sound, Brutal Truth, N.D. fashion that hails the aforementioned rather than steals from them. Tomas voice is reminiscent of early 90's Barney Greenway with guest vocalist Zdisha applying an occasional Mitch Harris-like high end shriek adding a familiarity that works in this genre. Grindcore is traditionally not the most original style, but that's often the attraction for fans with the familiar being the basis, or stepping stone, to venture into further experimentation. The album is capped off with a classic case of 'wearing your influences on your sleeve', a blistering cover version of Napalm Deaths Low Point from 1997's Inside The Torn Apart. Maybe not the best known Napalm Death track, it's well executed but obviously harvested from another recording session as the production is noticeably muddier. Dead Point is a worthy addition to any grind collection and is rabid, desperate, ugly and violent … just the way I like it! Track listing: 1. Life In Lie 2. Resignation 3. Blind Followers 4. Entombed 5. Hybridism Lies In Facts 6. Mental Level: Zero 7. Cancer As A Business 8. Disease Of Mind/True Lie 9. Pharmacology 10. Controlled Madness 11. Paradise In The Earth 12. Phobia 13. Fucking Judge Career 14. Control 15. Low Point-Napalm Death cover