History
Grindcore is a subgenre of extreme metal that originated in the early 1980s. It is characterized by heavily distorted, high-speed guitars, blast beat drumming, and shouted or growled vocals.
The genre’s roots can be traced back to the British punk rock scene of the late 1970s. Bands like Discharge and GBH helped pioneer a sound that was faster, louder, and more aggressive than the punk rock that came before it. These bands were known for their politically charged lyrics and their DIY aesthetic.
But it wasn’t until the arrival of Napalm Death in the mid-1980s that grindcore truly took shape. The band’s debut album, Scum, is widely regarded as a classic of the genre. It features songs that rarely exceed one minute in length and are characterized by their relentless speed and aggression. The album’s lyrics dealt with themes like government oppression and the horrors of war.
Another influential grindcore band from this era was Repulsion. Their only full-length album, Horrified, is considered a prototype for the genre. It was recorded in 1986 but wasn’t released until 1989, at which point it had already become a cult classic. Like Napalm Death, Repulsion’s lyrics dealt with themes of violence and horror.
Throughout the 1990s, grindcore continued to evolve and diversify. Bands like Brutal Truth and Pig Destroyer brought a greater sense of technicality to the genre, incorporating elements of death metal and jazz into their music. Meanwhile, Carcass embraced a more melodic approach, incorporating harmonies and solos into their songs.
Grindcore has also had its fair share of controversy over the years. Some critics have accused the genre of promoting violence and extremism. In the early 1990s, the term “grindcore” became associated with a string of violent crimes committed by fans of the genre. The media labeled these crimes as “grindcore murders,” even though there was no evidence to suggest that the music itself was responsible for the crimes.
Broader context
In 1993, David Stansfield published a book called "Extreme Metal: The Essential Listening Companion" in which he discusses the origins and impact of grindcore on the metal scene. Stansfield describes grindcore as "A music vilified for its use of extreme speed, aggression and obnoxiousness." He goes on to say that Grindcore is "A maelstrom of screeching vocals, lightning-fast drumming, and chainsaw guitar riffs that’s as intense and confrontational as any music ever created."
Author and music journalist Jon Wiederhorn wrote "Loud, Fast, and Out of Control: The Wild Sounds of '50s Rock" in 2001, which explores various genres of music that shaped the modern metal scene, including grindcore. Wiederhorn calls grindcore "Punk and metal's most extreme fusion" and notes that "Grindcore was born out of the bastardization of thrash metal and hardcore punk."
British music journalist Ian Glasper released a book in 2009 called "Trapped in a Scene: UK Hardcore 1985-1989," which includes a chapter on the rise of grindcore in the UK during this time period. Glasper describes grindcore as "Fast, brutal, uncompromising, and challenging" and notes that it was "Seen as the ultimate antithesis to the commercialism and glamour of the mainstream rock scene."
Notable musicians have also shared their thoughts on grindcore over the years. Mick Harris, the former drummer of Napalm Death, who is considered one of the pioneers of the genre, once said in an interview that "Grindcore was like the ultimate rebellion against society and a rejection of everything that was considered normal and acceptable."
Shane Embury, the bassist of Napalm Death, has also spoken about the importance of grindcore. In an interview for Metal Hammer magazine, Embury talked about grindcore's impact on the metal scene, saying "I think grindcore has always been the outsider, the critics' bete noire. But it's also been an important catalyst in the metal scene."
Even non-musicians have expressed their admiration for grindcore. Graphic novelist Alan Moore is a huge fan of Napalm Death and has referred to grindcore as "The primary secret weapon of anarchists everywhere."
One of the primary influences on Grindcore was the punk rock movement. Like punk, Grindcore was characterized by its DIY ethos and rejection of mainstream values. Grindcore bands often recorded and released their own music on small independent labels, and many of the lyrics addressed political and social issues. However, where punk rock tended to have a more confrontational attitude towards society, Grindcore was often more nihilistic and extreme in its outlook.
Another major influence on Grindcore was the death metal genre, which emerged at roughly the same time. Death metal was known for its fast, technical guitar playing and harsh vocals, and many early Grindcore bands incorporated elements of this style into their music. However, Grindcore differed from death metal in its focus on extremely short, frenetic songs that emphasized speed and intensity.
In addition to these musical influences, Grindcore was also shaped by larger social and cultural trends. The 1980s were a time of great political turmoil, with the rise of conservatism in the United States and other countries sparking a wave of protest movements. Many Grindcore bands embraced a left-wing, anti-authoritarian political stance, with many songs critiquing government corruption, police brutality, and environmental destruction.
Technologically, the rise of digital recording and other advances in music production also helped to shape the sound of Grindcore. With the ability to produce more complex and layered sounds, Grindcore bands were able to create increasingly extreme and challenging music. Meanwhile, the internet and other digital technologies made it easier for fans to discover and share new music, which helped to fuel the growth of the genre.
Some notable record labels that played a key role in the development of Grindcore include Earache Records, which released albums by such influential bands as Napalm Death and Carcass, as well as Relapse Records and Nuclear Blast. Meanwhile, journalists such as John Peel and Neil Perry helped to champion the genre through their radio shows and music journalism, helping to bring Grindcore to a broader audience.
In terms of individual figures, some of the most influential Grindcore bands include Napalm Death, Carcass, and Repulsion. These early bands helped to define the sound of the genre, and many later Grindcore bands have cited them as influences. Other notable Grindcore artists and bands include Anal Cunt, Agoraphobic Nosebleed, and Brutal Truth.