EP REVIEW: The Last Rager – Municipal Waste

Crossover mainstays MUNICIPAL WASTE need little introduction. They’ve been going about their own business and paving their own path meticulously for the best part of two decades building a loyal fan base all over the world in the process. Considerable time has passed since the release of their sixth full length release Slime And Punishment so to tide you over until the next album the quintet are treating us to a 4 track EP in the form of The Last Rager which is due for release on October 11th via Nuclear Blast Records. Will this offering satisfy the craving?

Over the years MUNICIPAL WASTE has kept venue and festival security on their toes with their ability to incite a whole crowd into surfing to the barrier, Wave Of Death is pretty much exactly what it says on the tin. The vocals consist only of chants of “Wave Of Death” at the appropriate intervals accompanied by their signature chunky guitar sound and a brief burst of solo work for good measure. Car Nivore (Street Meat) possesses a quicker tempo as the unmistakable rapid delivery of Tony Foresta make its stamp on the track. Swift shredding, punchy drumming and rigid bass lines run amok in their typically addictive fashion.

Rum For Your Life injects a bit of groove into proceedings as catchy riffing and enticing melodies take hold. Further solo flourishes make an appearance to add a bit of spice to the track. Drummer David Witte goes into overdrive as his energetic drumming join forces with the effective bass riffs of Landphil Hall to make The Last Rager a must-have inclusion for future live performances to come. It’s moreish nature makes you instantly want to delve back into their catalogue for further thrash infused party tunes.

Clocking in at a little over 10 minutes The Last Rager arrives, raises hell and then leaves. Whilst MUNICIPAL WASTE are not known for writing 15 minute epics this release feels like a passing glance before it is quickly concluded. This may not necessarily be a bad thing, however, as it leaves you gasping for more and will increase the anticipation for any future releases. If you’re expecting something groundbreaking you won’t find it here but MUNICIPAL WASTE have continued to execute their game plan flawlessly once more, staying at their consistent best. Any single song from this release could easily slot into their existing set with minimal disruption.

Rating: 8/10

The Last Rager is out now via Nuclear Blast Records.

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