Municipal Waste have been around since the turn of the 21st century, but their sound is firmly rooted in the '80s glory days of crossover thrash. It has been five long years since we've had a new studio album from the Waste, with their members busy in numerous other projects such as Iron Reagan and Cannabis Corpse. Slime and Punishment is their sixth full-length studio album, and first with guitarist Nick Poulos, who is also in the bands Bat and Volture with guitarist Ryan Waste.

As to the effect of going from a quartet to a quintet, Waste says its makes them sound even heavier: “We wanted a heavier album in general. It's definitely beefed up a bit more. It's more similar to what we sound like live. Everyone brought stuff to the table. There was definitely more variety and it shows. This album has a lot more dynamic to it.”

Even with an extended absence and new member, the band don't miss a step. The album is a barrage of crossover thrash goodness and frantic vocals from Tony Foresta. They rocket out of the gate with the fast “Breathe Grease” and keep their foot on the gas with the blazing “Enjoy the Night,” which clocks in at a brief but memorable 49 seconds.

Poulos shines on the “Dingy Situations” with a blazing solo and some beefy riffs. Their lighthearted lyrical approach and sense of humor is evident throughout the album with song title like “Shrednecks” and “Bourbon Discipline.” The variety Waste mentions is on display with tempo changes going from chaotic thrash to smooth grooves.

The album was produced by bassist Land Phil and mixed and mastered by old-school guru Bill Metoyer (Slayer, D.R.I., Flotsam & Jetsam). He's very familiar with this genre of music and knows how to make it sound right.

Municipal Waste have never released a studio album longer than 40 minutes long, with Slime and Punishment clocking in at a quick 29 minutes and the longest song (“Death Proof”) still under three minutes.. It flies by in a blur of shredding, shout-along choruses and memorable moments.

After the closing track “Think Fast,” which isn't a ballad but definitely has a slower tempo than most Municipal Waste songs until amping up the pace towards the end, you'll feel the need to hit repeat.

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