The difference, by ear
Grindcore came out of this scene and doubled the speed until the beat itself became a blast.
Grindcore is growled or screamed where d-beat is shouted, and much faster: 200 to 320 bpm against 180 to 220. Songs run longer in d-beat: usually 1½ to 2½ minutes, against under a minute to 1½ minutes in grindcore. To hear the difference, play Discharge next to Napalm Death. D-beat comes from the rock side of the tree and grindcore from the metal side, and d-beat came first, by three years.
In figures
D-beat
Where it sits
Rock › Punk rock › Hardcore punk › D-beat
In short
Named after Discharge's drum pattern: galloping toms, motorcycle guitar and anti-war slogans shouted as choruses.
How it sounds
- The Discharge pattern: floor tom in eighths with the hi-hat open on the offbeat.
- Guitars with massive distortion playing two- or three-chord riffs.
- Short, sloganeering lyrics about nuclear war and authority.
Key acts
- Discharge
- Anti Cimex
- Disfear
Start here
The pickDischarge - Hear Nothing See Nothing Say Nothing. Not one relaxed second on it.
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 →