Socioclast (USA) - Socioclast (2021)

While all grindcore sounds like blasting noise to the untrained ear, as grindcore fans we know the genre plays in a number of modes. Some bands bring influence from punk, some from death metal; some employ intricate, technical riffimg and some stick to more straightforward fare. This first LP by Socioclast, a brand new trio of California grinders led by In Disgust's Matt Gomes on guitar and vocals, features a blend of elements from across the genre that should appeal to a large swath of the grindcore listenership.

They play metallic grindcore with burly, riff-heavy guitars, blasting drums and growling vocals. Many of these songs are classic grinding sprints, but Socioclast aren't shy about peppering them with tempo changes and straight-up breakdowns. They're too frenetic and urgent to cross into crypt-dwelling Repulsion territory, but they dip a toe in now and then with a few ripping, corpse-scented guitar solos.

 
Tracks like "Surrogate Will" and "Infinity Nexus" spend half their runtime as cerebral blasters, with spindly riffs circling charging drums, before shifting into a dramatic, death-doom crawl for their remainder. "Convention of Ruin" and "Delta" have little time for slowing their tempos, and spend most of their brief runs with the pedal to the floor. The likes of "Psychic Void" and "Concrete and Steel" deal more in arm-swinging heaviness than speed, although neither can completely escape the seductive pull of the blastbeat.

This is a fully-formed debut clearly made by veteran musicians. The songs are filled with texture and smart structural choices, making Socioclast stand out in a crowded field. Whatever part of the grindcore spectrum you favor, Socioclast is worth your attention.

Socioclast is available digitally and physically via Carbonized Records' Bandcamp.