Goregrind

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Goregrind
Stylistic origins
Cultural originsLate 1980s, England and United States
Typical instruments
Regional scenes
Netherlands, United States, Spain, Czech Republic, Sweden, Poland, Japan
Other topics

Goregrind is a fusion genre of grindcore and death metal.[1] British band Carcass are commonly credited for the emergence of the genre. Goregrind is recognizable by its heavily edited, pitch-shifted vocals and abrasive musicianship rooted in grindcore and its lyrical emphasis on gore, death, pathology, and rape.

History

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Despite the early impact of albums such as Repulsion's Horrified and Impetigo's Ultimo Mondo Cannibale,[2] the origins of the genre really lie with the British band Carcass,[3] who began their career in the late 1980s. In their Reek of Putrefaction era, Carcass used pitch shifters, medical imagery and several visceral associations—all of which are tropes that would become synonymous with goregrind.

Characteristics

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According to Matthew Harvey,

Gore-Grind (sic) music is characterized by its preoccupation with pitch-shifted or extremely low vocals, use of gore and forensic pathology as its exclusive subject matter, and often very fast tempos. Gore-Grind bands also have the refreshing tendency not to take themselves or their lyrics too seriously. This is evidenced by ... the often intricate and disgusting yet undeniably cartoonish splatter drawings that adorn many Gore-Grind album sleeves.[1]

Zero Tolerance described goregrind as being defined by "detuned guitars, blasting drums (sometimes with a high-tuned, clanging 'biscuit tin' snare drum sound), sickening lyrics and often heavily processed/distorted vocals."[4] Goregrind bands commonly use extremely low or pitch-shifted vocals.[5] The lyrics' subject matter often features violent themes including gore, forensic pathology, death, and rape. Lyrics sometimes have a clear tongue-in-cheek Z-grade horror-movie feel and are not expected to be taken seriously.[1] Cyjan, former drummer for Polish goregrind band Dead Infection, commented, "Musically, there's no real difference between grindcore and goregrind, but lyrically, whereas the first is socially and politically concerned, goregrind, as the name implies, deals with everything related to blood, pathological aspects or accidents with fatal results."[2] Jon Weiderhorn of Loudwire states: "Goregrind knows no limits and the lyrics are filled with depictions of brutal misogyny, torture and horrific murder and infestations many find offensive and repellant. Those with weak stomachs should steer clear of the horrors within."[6]

Offshoot genres

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Pornogrind

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Main article: Pornogrind

Pornogrind (also known as porngrind or pornogore) is a microgenre, which is similar and related to goregrind, that deals with sexual and pornographic themes, hence the name.[7][8] Notable bands include Gut and Cock and Ball Torture.[1][4][9]

Gorenoise

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Gorenoise is another microgenre based on goregrind and harsh noise. The genre consists of extreme tempos combined with distortion, often causing the instruments and vocals to blend together while drum snares stand out.[10][11]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d Purcell, Natalie J. (2003). Death Metal Music: The Passion and Politics of a Subculture. McFarland. pp. 23–24. ISBN 0-7864-1585-1. Retrieved 28 November 2007.
  2. ^ a b Badin, Olivier (2009). "Goregrind". Terrorizer, 181, p.41.
  3. ^ Widener, Matthew. Carcass Clones. Archived from the original on 16 January 2008. Retrieved 27 February 2009. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  4. ^ a b "Grind Prix" (2005). Zero Tolerance #004, p. 46.
  5. ^ Stosuy, Brandon (6 August 2008). "Show No Mercy". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 28 August 2008. Retrieved 14 October 2008.
  6. ^ Wiederhorn, Jon WiederhornJon (6 October 2023). "The Most Disgusting Metal Lyrics of All Time". Loudwire. Retrieved 26 July 2025.
  7. ^ Anderson, Vicki. "Running the musical gauntlet". The Press. Retrieved 16 June 2009.
  8. ^ Hess, Amanda. "Brick and Mordor: A record store heavy on the metal spins its last gloom and doom". Washington City Paper. Retrieved 16 June 2009.
  9. ^ Mincemoyer, John. "Gore International" (2002). Terrorizer #98, pp. 19–20.
  10. ^ Kennedy, Nik (22 February 2025). "gorenoise". LET'S NOISE!. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  11. ^ "gorenoise". Good Guys Go Grind. 8 January 2025. Retrieved 10 August 2025.