Goregrind and Deathgrind

Like last week, we are going to be talking about two subgenres instead of one. These subgenres are both related to grindcore, and share many characteristics with it.

The first subgenre we will talk about is goregrind. Goregrind is a term that is thrown around when grindcore bands get a bit more extreme. There are only a few differences between goregrind and grindcore. Goregrind usually involves pitch-shifted vocals, whereas grindcore does not. The drums of goregrind are also usually a little bit tinnier than those of grindcore. The biggest difference between the subgenres is the lyrical content. Goregrind lyrics usually discuss gore and forensic pathology. The lyrics are usually also very tongue-in-cheek, and shouldn’t be interpreted literally.

Goregrind originated from Carcass’s Reek of Putrefaction album. This record used medical imagery and gory undertones to create the stylized version of grindcore. The album was very over-the-top, and subsequently the term “goregrind” was created to describe it. Other bands who have received the goregrind label include Cattle Decapitation, Exhumed, Impaled and Repulsion.

The other subgenre that we will discuss in this post is a close relative of goregrind. Deathgrind is the combination of grindcore and brutal death metal. Bands within this subgenre usually use the typical grindcore song structure, but the content of the songs is more akin to that of brutal death metal. These songs are therefore usually very abrupt, fast and brutal. Lyrical content within the subgenre may vary.

Deathgrind has become quite popular throughout the years, and the subgenre has been praised by heavy metal critics for its brutality. Famous bands of the subgenre include Aborted, Autopsy, Cephalic Carnage, Dying Fetus, Lock Up and Misery Index. 

Both goregrind and deathgrind started off as terms to describe specific grindcore groups, but have since become subgenres of their own. Both subgenres maintain sizable cult followings that thrive on the brutality of this extreme music. New bands continue to emerge in these subgenres, and they usually experience success in the heavy metal underground in both the US and Europe.