Powerviolence Guide
Powerviolence is a subgenre of hardcore punk characterized by its extremely fast tempos, short song lengths, and violent lyrical content. It is often considered to be a more extreme version of grindcore, and is often associated with the political and social activism of the hardcore punk scene.
Powerviolence bands typically employ blast beats, fast tremolo picking, and screamed or growled vocals. The lyrics often deal with themes of anger, violence, and social injustice. Some powerviolence bands also incorporate elements of noise music or free jazz into their sound.
Powerviolence emerged in the early 1990s, with bands such as Man Is the Bastard, Capitalist Casualties, and Infest being among the first to adopt the style. The genre quickly gained a following in the hardcore punk underground, and by the mid-1990s, there were a number of powerviolence bands active in North America, Europe, and Japan.
Powerviolence has continued to be a popular sub-genre of hardcore punk in recent years, with bands such as Nails, Weekend Nachos, and Dropdead continuing to push the boundaries of the genre. Powerviolence has also influenced other genres of extreme music, such as grindcore, death metal, and black metal.
Here are some of the key characteristics of powerviolence:
- Extremely fast tempos
- Short song lengths, often under one minute
- Violent lyrical content
- Blast beats, fast tremolo picking, and screamed or growled vocals
- Incorporation of elements of noise music or free jazz
- Political and social activism
Powerviolence is a challenging and intense genre of music, but it is also a rewarding one. For those who are willing to give it a chance, powerviolence can be a powerful and cathartic experience.
The History Of Powerviolence
Powerviolence emerged in the early 1980s as a fusion of hardcore punk and grindcore. Its origins can be traced back to bands such as Siege, Infest, and Crossed Out, who combined the fast tempos and aggressive vocals of hardcore with the chaotic and dissonant sounds of grindcore. Powerviolence is characterized by its short, fast songs, often lasting only a few seconds, with lyrics that are typically nihilistic and misanthropic. The genre is also known for its use of blast beats, breakdowns, and feedback.
Powerviolence quickly gained a following in the underground punk scene, and by the mid-1980s, there were a number of bands playing the genre, including Man Is the Bastard, Capitalist Casualties, and Lack of Interest. These bands helped to popularize powerviolence and spread it to a wider audience.
In the 1990s, powerviolence continued to evolve, with bands such as Discordance Axis and Brutal Truth pushing the boundaries of the genre. These bands incorporated elements of other genres, such as jazz and noise, into their music, creating a more complex and challenging sound.
Today, powerviolence remains a vital part of the punk underground. There are a number of active bands playing the genre, and new bands are constantly emerging. Powerviolence continues to be a challenging and rewarding genre for fans of extreme music.
Some of the key characteristics of powerviolence include:
- Short, fast songs, often lasting only a few seconds
- Nihilistic and misanthropic lyrics
- Use of blast beats, breakdowns, and feedback
- Chaotic and dissonant sounds
- Aggressive vocals
- A DIY ethic
Powerviolence is a genre that is constantly evolving, and it is sure to continue to challenge and inspire fans of extreme music for years to come.
Powerviolence Band
- Infest
- Crossed Out
- Man Is the Bastard
- No Comment
- Filth
- Charles Bronson
- Capitalist Casualties
- Despise You
- Totalitar
- Lack of Interest
- Dropdead
- Shitstorm
- Disrupt
- Magrudergrind
- Gadget
- Rotten Sound
- Insect Warfare