What makes Time Waits for No Slave by Napalm Death notable?

The album received positive reviews from various publications, reinforcing Napalm Death's influence within the metal community. It debuted at number 34 on the UK Albums Chart, showcasing their enduring appeal and ability to draw in new listeners while remaining relevant in an ever-changing music landscape. Released on February 10, 2009, 'Time Waits for No Slave' marked Napalm Death's thirteenth studio album, following their critically acclaimed 'Smear Campaign'. At this point in their career, the band solidified their status as pioneers of grindcore and death metal, embracing a sound that continues to evolve while maintaining their signature intensity.

Who is Time Waits for No Slave for?

Time Waits for No Slave works well if you're into unrelenting sonic aggression, thought-provoking lyrical themes and steady pacing for engagement.

How many songs are on Time Waits for No Slave?

Time Waits for No Slave has 16 tracks, running approximately 59 minutes.

Time Waits for No Slave

Napalm Death · 2009

59 min · 16 tracks · death metal

A relentless barrage of grinding riffs and guttural vocals, embodying the raw energy of extreme metal with political urgency.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Strong-Arm — With its aggressive tempo and incisive lyrics, this opening track sets the tone for the album's exploration of societal issues through a lens of unrelenting brutality.
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Time Waits for No Slave — The title track serves as a thematic centerpiece, blending intricate instrumentation with powerful commentary on the human condition and existential dread.
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Feeling Redundant — This track stands out for its complex song structure and lyrical depth, encapsulating the band's ability to intertwine personal struggle with broader social critiques.
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Downbeat Clique — Featuring a mix of relentless riffs and dynamic shifts, this song exemplifies Napalm Death's signature style while addressing themes of isolation and societal disconnect.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album delivers intense compositions with strong performances, maintaining a cohesive yet dynamic sound throughout.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent tempo throughout, with most tracks maintaining a fast-paced intensity that rarely lets up.
Guttural vocals are layered over grinding guitar riffs, often with abrupt transitions that emphasize the chaotic nature of the music.
Several tracks incorporate tempo shifts and breakdowns, adding dynamic contrast within the overall aggressive sound.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

unrelenting sonic aggression
thought-provoking lyrical themes
steady pacing for engagement
intense energy for workout
cathartic release of tension

Maybe skip if you

prefer mellow background sounds
seek immediate melodic gratification

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on February 10, 2009, 'Time Waits for No Slave' marked Napalm Death's thirteenth studio album, following their critically acclaimed 'Smear Campaign'. At this point in their career, the band solidified their status as pioneers of grindcore and death metal, embracing a sound that continues to evolve while maintaining their signature intensity.
Stylistic neighbors: Carcass· Brutal Truth· Pig Destroyer