Deathcore - Spontaneous Underground - 12" Vinyl LP Album

Released in 1990 on Nuclear Blast Records, Deathcore's "Spontaneous Underground" emerged during the peak of extreme metal's burgeoning popularity. This 12" vinyl LP, with its disturbing artwork, served as a sonic assault, pushing the boundaries of brutality and aggression.

Historical Context

The late 1980s and early 1990s saw the rise of extreme metal subgenres like grindcore and death metal. Bands like Napalm Death, Carcass, and Morbid Angel were pushing the limits of musical extremity, exploring themes of gore, violence, and social decay. Deathcore, hailing from Germany, contributed to this wave of sonic aggression with their debut album.

Musical Exploration

"Spontaneous Underground" is a relentless barrage of blast beats, guttural vocals, and downtuned guitars. The album showcases Deathcore's exploration of grindcore and death metal, combining the former's raw speed and intensity with the latter's technicality and brutality. This fusion of genres resulted in a unique sound that was both chaotic and controlled, repulsive yet captivating.

Music Genre

Deathcore firmly belongs to the grindcore and death metal genres. The album's short, sharp songs, often clocking in at under two minutes, are characteristic of grindcore's frenetic pace. However, the band also incorporates elements of death metal, such as complex song structures and technical instrumentation.

Producers and Engineers

The album was produced, engineered, and mixed by S.L. "Winnetou" Coe, Mike "Rolling" Stone, and Deathcore themselves at Dust Music Studios in Hilchenbach, Germany, in January 1990. This hands-on approach ensured that the album's sound captured the band's raw energy and intensity.

Remarkable Things

Sonic Aggression:

The album's unrelenting brutality and aggression make it a standout in the grindcore and death metal genres. The sheer intensity of the music is a testament to the band's commitment to sonic extremity.

Technical Prowess:

Despite the chaotic nature of their music, Deathcore's musicianship is remarkably tight and precise. The intricate guitar work, complex drumming patterns, and guttural vocals showcase the band's technical skill and dedication to their craft.

DIY Ethic:

The fact that the band produced and engineered the album themselves speaks to their DIY ethic and independent spirit. This hands-on approach allowed them to maintain complete creative control over their music.