Blockheads

Not sure what it is about European grindcore, but bands across the Atlantic can unleash a level of intensity that goes far beyond their North American counterparts. Such is the case with French grinders Blockheads, who have been consistently creating extreme, violent grind since 1992, and are back with their new album, This World is Dead. Featuring 25 songs in 40 minutes, their fifth studio record, and Relapse debut, is an onslaught of harsh, brutal grind, à la Napalm Death, Phobia, Extreme Noise Terror, etc. Fast, concise tracks comprise the album, with a rawness that only a band with a 20-year career in this genre can exude, showcasing old-school song structures, machine-like drum blasts, death metal-influenced riffs and vicious, guttural vocals. Moments of mid-tempo groove add diversity to the release, while the dual vocals, at certain instances, make for the strongest, severest parts of This World is Dead.