The No.1 website for musicians
An early lineup of grindcore legends, Napalm Death. RIP Jesse
Evolving from thrash, speed metal and hardcore punk, grindcore took the abrasive elements of metal to their uncomfortable extremes. Typically, grindcore rejects melody in favour of raw power and explosive blasts of guitar, bass and drums.
Though the British bands stole the limelight, notably Ipswich’s own Napalm Death, two of the most legendary and influential bands, Repulsion and Terrorizer, came from the US. Napalm Death's 1987 debut album, Scum, was a merciless assault of sonic experimentation that laid the foundations for other grindcore acts such as Carcass and Brutal Truth.
Grindcore’s uncompromising approach to uncomfortable music has inspired a swathe of experimental noise artists and even spawned its own sub-genres.
It’s generally agreed that Repulsion’s first album (and 1985 demo) were the first proper grindcore recordings, but Napalm Death were the band that named and popularised the genre.
Check out the extreme vocals from Lee Dorian, who oscillates wildly between guttural grunts and high-pitched shrieks.
Grindcore at its shriek-along best.
Keep The Grindcore Alive
Invisible Oranges
Choosing Death - a whole book about grindcore and death metal
