The idea for a double-disc anthology release by Swedish grindcore kings Nasum was first brainstormed in 2000, but the band (thankfully) remained focused on creating what ended up being their final two albums. With the tragic passing of guitarist/vocalist Mieszko Talarczyk in the tsunami of 2004, Nasum came to an end. Once drummer Anders Jakobson had spent some time mourning, he immersed himself into this project, collecting every Nasum song not released on the bands excellent four full-lengths. The packaging alone is breathtaking: a glossy, hardcover digipack containing an incredibly detailed 80-page booklet with lyrics, liner notes and pictures makes this the most beautiful extreme metal release ever. And the tunes (culled from demos, split releases, bonus tracks and unreleased sessions) prove that Nasum raged from the start; while the earlier material lacks the bands groove and focuses more on the grind, each of the 152 songs here shreds. Of special note to Canadian music fans is a cover of Propagandhis "Rio De San Atlanta, Manitoba. Grind Finale is a wonderful way to close the books on Nasums career; what the surviving band members will do next musically will no doubt keep the extreme metal flag flying high.
Whats one thing youd like people to remember about Nasum? Jakobson: Id like Nasum to be remembered as a band that in some way brought grindcore back. When Inhale/Exhale came out in 1998, it filled some kind of void in the extreme music scene. At least thats how I see it when I look back at it. We had this sort of mission in the band to preserve the classic grindcore style. And I think we succeeded with that. So, Id like Nasum to be remembered as a band who ignited the spirit of grindcore again. Pretentious, I know (laughs). But I can afford to be pretentious right now.
What are your future musical plans? Im in the middle of completing a recording with my punk band, Krigshot. Were doing a twelve-inch EP. Weve had this band sort of as a side project for many years, but this year well start doing it a little bit more like a real band. Thats the main thing, but I also have this little project with my fellow ex-Nasum members as well. We did a demo in October which I put up on the Nasum website; old school grindcore, like Terrorizer or Repulsion. Well see what happens with that.
(Relapse)Whats one thing youd like people to remember about Nasum? Jakobson: Id like Nasum to be remembered as a band that in some way brought grindcore back. When Inhale/Exhale came out in 1998, it filled some kind of void in the extreme music scene. At least thats how I see it when I look back at it. We had this sort of mission in the band to preserve the classic grindcore style. And I think we succeeded with that. So, Id like Nasum to be remembered as a band who ignited the spirit of grindcore again. Pretentious, I know (laughs). But I can afford to be pretentious right now.
What are your future musical plans? Im in the middle of completing a recording with my punk band, Krigshot. Were doing a twelve-inch EP. Weve had this band sort of as a side project for many years, but this year well start doing it a little bit more like a real band. Thats the main thing, but I also have this little project with my fellow ex-Nasum members as well. We did a demo in October which I put up on the Nasum website; old school grindcore, like Terrorizer or Repulsion. Well see what happens with that.
