Napalm Death and the Melvins Reunite for "The Savage Imperial Death March Part II" Tour
Napalm Death and the Melvins reunite for Savage Imperial Death March II, which will tour the United States this spring.
The last time Napalm Death and the Melvins teamed up for a national tour was for the original Savage Imperial Death March in 2016. The original tour was a showcase of the relentless sonic barrage of heavy music that both bands are known for. While they emerged from different music scenes, Napalm Death and the Melvins proved that they were simpatico in their approach to live performance and attracted new fans from each other’s fanbase.
Hailed as innovators in the grindcore genre, Napalm Death merged the political angst of crust punk with the brutal sound of death metal. Napalm Death took from punk rock short songs with fast tempos and sociopolitical lyrics. Influenced by the more extreme metal scenes, Napalm Death added guttural vocals, overdrive bass, and distorted guitars. Since emerging from the British underground music scene nearly 40 years ago, Napalm Death has continued to be an influential force in heavy metal.
Photo Credit: Chris Casella
The Melvins are credited as one of the early pioneers of the Seattle grunge scene of the 90s. They stood out among their peers for being one of the heavier bands in the scene. Like Napalm Death, the Melvins combined heavy metal with punk rock. The band continues to release recordings, their most recent being 2024’s Tarantula Heart, an album inspired by a series of improvisational live sessions. The Melvins have released over 30 original albums, not counting the numerous live records, singles, and rarities. Throughout their career, the Melvins have gone through various line-up changes. With For Savage Imperial Death March II, the Melvins welcome back Coady Willis and co-founder Dale Cover.
“Napalm Death! Melvins! What a dream! Not only are we looking forward to being on the road with our friends in Napalm Death, but we’re excited to have both Dale and Coady both on drums once again.”
- says the Melvins frontman Buzz Osborne.
This tour marks the triumphant return for Dale Crover who had to leave the band in 2023 after a medical emergency. Savage Imperial Death March II is the first time the Melvins will perform with dueling drummers.
Napalm Death and the Melvins will be supported by an all-star line-up on Savage Imperial Death March Part II. April 4thto May 5th Weedeater will open. From May 7thto May 20thTitan To Tachyons, the project of Mr. Bungle’s Trevor Dunn will be in the supporting slot. From May 2ndto June 7th The Hard-Ons featuring Jerry A will be the opening act. All dates on the tour will feature Shane Embury’s Dark Sky Burial.
