The difference, by ear
Grindcore is played by humans and limited by them. Cybergrind uses a machine to go past that limit, which changes what the music can be.
Both are growled or screamed, but grindcore is much slower: 200 to 320 bpm against 250 to 400. To hear the difference, play Agoraphobic Nosebleed next to Napalm Death. Cybergrind grew out of grindcore, fourteen years later.
In figures
Cybergrind
Where it sits
Heavy metal › Grindcore › Cybergrind
In short
Grindcore with programmed drums nobody could play and electronic elements. Made in bedrooms more often than in studios.
How it sounds
- Drums programmed at physically impossible speeds, often past a nominal 1000 bpm.
- Electronic elements: noise, synthesizers, samples.
- Fully digital production, frequently made by one person alone.
Key acts
- Agoraphobic Nosebleed
- The Berzerker
- Genghis Tron
Start here
The pickGridlink - Longhena. Twenty-two minutes, and it counts as a long album here.
Full page →Grindcore
Where it sits
In short
Hardcore and death metal compressed into songs under a minute, with continuous blast beats. Napalm Death have a song that lasts one second.
How it sounds
- Blast beats at maximum speed, songs under a minute, albums of twenty minutes.
- Short hardcore and death metal riffs with no development.
- Dual vocals: guttural growl and high shriek, alternating rapidly.
Key acts
- Napalm Death
- Repulsion
- Terrorizer
- Brutal Truth
Start here
The pickNapalm Death - Scum. Side B, with Bill Steer on guitar, is the essential half.
Full page →