Only a band like Municipal Waste could totally ape the thrash and speed metal gusto of 80s ala bands like Exodus, early Metallica, Anthrax, Testament, etc, and put it on an album in 2007 and get away with it. The reason is, is because bands like Richmond’s Municipal Waste remind us that while the better part of ‘80’s metal that got around to the mainstream was the utterly ridiculous hair glitz composed of artists garbed in spandex, Aqua Net, lipstick, and tacky women’s clothing, there were bands who relied on the thrash technique to satisfy listeners who didn’t want to hone in on the glam crap. Even today, shitty, cookie cutter metal bands are a dime a dozen and all sound the same, something of which seasoned headbanger’s are well aware. Somehow, Municipal Waste sees looking back as a way forward and it works rather well with The Art of Partying with its spazzy chops, raging drumming, and heaves of beer chugging hooks. So, grab that denim jacket with the sleeves cut off and your Powell Peralta and have some friends hold you upside down by the ankles while you nurse the tap because this one is a rager. - Chris Pacifico (2007, The Daily Copper)