Municipal Waste – The Fatal Feast – Album Review

Disclaimer: Municipal Waste has made it very clear their latest album The Fatal Feast – Waste in Space is an homage to science fiction and horror. Like the band, I wear my love for these genres on my sleeve; the one that hides a bite from a zombie of course. As a fan of Municipal Waste, I have to say this album was on my watch list for quite a long time. While in space, no one can hear you scream, they can hear you rock out and party your ass off.

Sometimes science fiction is serious (2001 – A Space Odyssey); sometimes it’s not (Galaxy Quest). But in the rarest of worlds, you can get a little bit of both in the same movie. When that happens, you get Flash Gordon (1980). Excellent sets, serious premise, violent Emperor/villain – wrapped in cheesy dialogue, scantily clad women and yes…a Queen soundtrack. Somehow it all fits. As a movie, it is what it is and you like it or you don’t. But what does have to do with metal you ask? You did read the disclaimer right?

In a way, you could describe Municipal Waste in the same terms. Like their crossover influences (DRI, CoC, Suicidal Tendencies), their style of music brings as many fans as detractors. From their first ST album to the present, the band is honest in their approach and gives you what they have straight up. I respect that. The Fatal Feast is everything that the band does right; aggressive, thrash/punk with a Han Solo smirk. To me, hands down their best offering to date.

Songs like ‘Repossession’ and ‘Jesus Freaks’ are pure thrash joy. Short bursts of energy, with riffs and hooks all over the place. Tony Foresta is one of my favorite vocalists; singing songs of gore, vomit, aliens and the rest with conviction. Half the fun is in the lyrics and his delivery allows you to make out every word and join in on the madness they are all creating.

What makes this album stand out is the songs that adhere to the theme. ‘Unholy Abductor’, ‘New Dead Masters’ and ‘Crushing Chest Wound’ remind me why sci fi is fun. Its Total Recall, Aliens and Walking Dead put to music. The production could be a little sharper, but it is on par with most other Municipal Waste albums and does not take away from the enjoyment.

Reviewing this band is like reviewing Star Wars prequels. Whatever I say probably won’t change your mind. But I hope I was able to convey the positive parts that make Municipal Waste such a fun band. In a world where filling your tank with gas for the month is more expensive than buying health care, you need to rock the hell out and enjoy shit while you got it. If you are a fan, you are in great shape. If not, give em a try. I guarantee your undead-head will be banging!

Track List

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