After a decade-long hiatus, Polish grindcore maniacs Ass To Mouth are back with a vengeance. Their new album, “Enemy Of The Human Race,” delivers a relentless barrage of aggression wrapped in 14 blistering tracks. While the return is welcome and the energy is undeniable, there are a few caveats that keep it from total perfection.

Let’s get straight to the point: “Enemy Of The Human Race” is a sonic pummeling of grindcore ferocity fused with a gritty rock ‘n’ roll edge. From the opener “The Underdog” to the closer “Nuclear Winter,” the album is an unrelenting blast of speed, distortion, and primal rage. The band, now featuring a refreshed lineup, hasn’t lost any of their manic energy or their ability to conjure up short, violent bursts of musical chaos.

The standout track, without question, is “Hang Those Bastards.” This track encapsulates everything that’s great about Ass To Mouth: it’s fast, furious, and hooks you with its punk-infused grind energy. This is the kind of song that makes you want to dive headfirst into a pit, fists swinging and adrenaline pumping.

However, not everything hits the mark. The opener suffers from a confusing blend of vocal styles. While the primary grindcore growls hit hard, the additional vocal styles feel out of place and detract from the otherwise brutal onslaught. Thankfully, the album quickly finds its stride, shedding the awkward moments and focusing on what Ass To Mouth does best: delivering fast, aggressive, no-frills grindcore.

Production-wise, there’s a slight hitch. The mix feels thin and tinny at times, which is a bit jarring in this genre, where crushing low-end and thick guitars typically reign supreme. The drums, while well-performed, lack the weight and punch needed to really drive home the brutality. That said, the musicianship is top-notch across the board, with Jarek’s bass, Kobi’s guitar, and Pablo’s drums locking in tight and delivering a satisfying grind assault.

Despite these flaws, “Enemy Of The Human Race” is a fun, enjoyable listen for fans of grindcore and fast, angry punk. Clocking in at just under 20 minutes, it’s a high-octane blast that doesn’t overstay its welcome. If you’re into bands like Nasum, Phobia, or Blood Duster, this album should be right up your alley.

It may not be flawless, but it’s a hell of a lot of fun. And honestly, isn’t that what grindcore is all about?

Rating: 7/10
Release Date: 29^th November 2024
Label: Selfmadegod Records

Writer: Andy Baqone

Tracklist:

1. The Underdog
2. Model Citizen
3. Hang Those Bastards
4. The Underground
5. Nazi Pig
6. You’ll Choke With Your Own Shit
7. Vomit Disatste
8. XXI
9. One Step From Hell
10. Authority
11. Modern Slaves
12. Grindcore Screwed My Life
13. Brainwash
14. Nuclear Winter