Deathgrind

Deathgrind is a subgenre of extreme metal that combines elements of death metal and grindcore. It typically features the brutality and intensity of death metal with the speed, aggression, and punk-influenced elements of grindcore. Deathgrind often incorporates blast beats, growled or screamed vocals, and downtuned guitars. The genre emerged in the late 1980s and gained popularity in the 1990s.

## Differences between other subgenres

1. Goregrind:
	* Goregrind is a subgenre that focuses on explicit and often humorous lyrics related to gore, horror, and medical themes.
	* Musically, it shares similarities with grindcore, but the emphasis on gory lyrical content sets it apart.
	* While deathgrind may include gore-themed lyrics, goregrind places a more significant emphasis on these themes.
2. Pornogrind:
	* Pornogrind is a subgenre known for explicit and often sexually explicit lyrical content.
	* Musically, it can be similar to grindcore or deathgrind, but the focus on sexual themes distinguishes it.
	* Deathgrind may touch on explicit content, but pornogrind is specifically centered around sexual themes.
3. Death Metal:
	* Death metal is a broader genre that originated in the late 1980s, characterized by growled or deep vocals, heavily distorted guitars, and complex song structures.
	* Deathgrind incorporates elements of death metal but tends to be faster and more influenced by grindcore.
4. Brutal Death Metal:
	* Brutal death metal is a subgenre of death metal known for its extreme brutality, often featuring fast tempos, blast beats, and guttural vocals.
	* While deathgrind shares some brutality with brutal death metal, the grindcore influence and faster tempo distinguish it.
5. Technical Death Metal:
	* Technical death metal is characterized by its emphasis on complex and intricate musical structures, often featuring advanced technical skill from the musicians.
	* Deathgrind tends to prioritize speed and aggression over the technical complexity emphasized in technical death metal.

## Influences

Deathgrind draws influences from both death metal and grindcore, combining the brutality of death metal with the speed and aggression of grindcore. The genre emerged in the late 1980s and gained popularity in the 1990s. Some key bands that played a significant role in shaping deathgrind and continue to influence the genre include:

1. Terrorizer:
	* Often credited as one of the pioneers of grindcore and deathgrind, Terrorizer's album "World Downfall" (1989) is a seminal work in the genre.
2. Napalm Death:
	* While Napalm Death is primarily associated with grindcore, their early works, especially the album "Harmony Corruption" (1990), had a notable deathgrind influence.
3. Carcass:
	* Carcass is a band that evolved from grindcore to death metal, contributing significantly to both genres. Albums like "Symphonies of Sickness" (1989) showcase a blend of death metal and grindcore elements.
4. Brutal Truth:
	* Formed in the early 1990s, Brutal Truth is known for incorporating grindcore and death metal elements into their music. The album "Extreme Conditions Demand Extreme Responses" (1992) is a notable release.
5. Cattle Decapitation:
	* Cattle Decapitation is a more modern deathgrind band that has gained prominence for their blend of death metal and grindcore, incorporating elements of brutality and technicality. Albums like "Monolith of Inhumanity" (2012) showcase their style.
6. Pig Destroyer:
	* Pig Destroyer is known for their intense and aggressive sound, combining grindcore and death metal elements. Albums like "Prowler in the Yard" (2001) are influential in the genre.
7. Misery Index:
	* Formed by former members of Dying Fetus, Misery Index incorporates death metal and grindcore elements into their music. Albums like "Traitors" (2008) exemplify their style.
8. Insect Warfare:
	* Insect Warfare is known for its blistering speed and intensity, blending grindcore and death metal. The album "World Extermination" (2007) is a notable release in the genre.

These bands, among others, have played a crucial role in shaping the deathgrind sound. Over time, the genre has continued to evolve, with new bands adding their own twists to the fusion of death metal and grindcore influences.

## Censorship

1. Lyrical Content: Many death metal and grindcore bands explored dark and controversial themes in their lyrics, such as violence, gore, and anti-religious sentiments. Some of these themes were deemed offensive by conservative groups, leading to attempts to ban or censor the music.
2. Album Artwork: The visual components of extreme metal, including graphic and explicit album artwork, often accompanied the provocative lyrical content. This imagery was a target for censorship efforts, as it was seen as disturbing or offensive.
3. Freedom of Expression: Censorship was viewed by many musicians and fans as a threat to freedom of expression. The attempts to regulate or ban certain forms of music were seen as an infringement on artists' rights to express themselves creatively and on fans' rights to consume the art of their choosing.
4. Underground Scene: The extreme metal genres, including death metal and grindcore, have roots in underground music scenes. Censorship efforts often fueled the rebellious and anti-establishment ethos of these scenes, with some artists deliberately pushing boundaries in response to attempts to suppress their music.
5. Impact on Record Labels: Censorship could have economic consequences for record labels that released extreme music. The controversy surrounding certain albums and artists led to bans, fines, or the need to release censored versions, affecting sales and distribution.
6. Misunderstanding of Themes: Some censorship efforts were based on a lack of understanding or misinterpretation of the artistic and thematic elements within the music. Critics often focused on the explicit nature of lyrics without considering the artistic or social context.
7. Stigmatization: The association of extreme metal with controversial themes and censorship contributed to its stigmatization in the mainstream. This could limit the opportunities for bands to gain exposure, secure airplay, or access certain venues.

## Legacy

1. Musical Innovation: Deathgrind played a significant role in pushing the boundaries of extreme metal by combining the ferocity of death metal with the speed and aggression of grindcore. This fusion contributed to the development of a more extreme and intense sound within the broader metal spectrum.
2. Bridge Between Genres: Deathgrind acted as a bridge between death metal and grindcore, providing a space for experimentation and cross-pollination. This hybridization influenced other subgenres, showcasing the fluidity and creativity within the metal community.
3. Diversity of Themes: While deathgrind often explored dark and intense themes, it also showcased the diversity of lyrical content within extreme metal. Bands within the genre touched on topics ranging from gore and horror to social and political issues, contributing to the multifaceted nature of the broader metal scene.
4. Impact on Modern Extreme Metal: The sonic characteristics of deathgrind, including blast beats, growled vocals, and downtuned guitars, have left a lasting impact on modern extreme metal. Many contemporary bands draw inspiration from deathgrind, incorporating its intensity and brutality into their own sound.
5. Influence on Subsequent Subgenres: The influence of deathgrind can be heard in the development of other subgenres, such as slam death metal, technical deathgrind, and various experimental and avant-garde metal styles. Bands continue to experiment with different elements, creating unique hybrids that owe a debt to the pioneering work of deathgrind acts.
6. Cultural Impact: Deathgrind, along with other extreme metal genres, has contributed to the formation of distinct subcultures and communities. The genre's underground roots and resistance to mainstream norms have shaped a sense of identity and community among fans and musicians.
7. Persistence of Underground Spirit: The legacy of deathgrind is intertwined with the persistence of the underground spirit within the metal community. Despite facing censorship and challenges, deathgrind and similar genres have maintained a DIY ethos, fostering a thriving underground scene with a dedicated fan base.
8. Continued Evolution: The legacy of deathgrind is also seen in its ability to evolve over time. While some bands maintain a classic deathgrind sound, others have incorporated progressive, technical, or avant-garde elements, showcasing the genre's adaptability and openness to experimentation.