crust

Crust: A History of Dirt, Discord, and D-Beats

Crust punk, a genre born from the ashes of anarcho-punk, is a sonic manifestation of disillusionment, anger, and a deep-seated love for the earth. Its origins can be traced back to the late 70s/early 80s, with bands like Amebix and Discharge laying the groundwork with their bleak, heavy sound and politically charged lyrics.

The Seeds of Crust:

• Discharge: Their 1982 album “Hear Nothing See Nothing Say Nothing” became a cornerstone of the genre, with its brutal, uncompromising sound and anti-establishment lyrics.
• Amebix: This band, known for their “proto-crust” sound, merged punk rock with elements of heavy metal, forging a path for future crust bands. Their lyrics delved into themes of nature, spirituality, and societal injustice.

The Crust Explosion:

By the mid-80s, the crust scene exploded in the UK, with bands like Extinction and Doom pushing the boundaries of the genre. Their music was characterized by:

• Slow, heavy riffs: D-beats, a signature drum pattern, laid the foundation for a slow, pulverizing groove.
• Raw, distorted vocals: Vocals were often guttural, reflecting the raw emotion and anger of the lyrics.
• Environmental and anti-establishment themes: Lyrics explored issues like environmental destruction, political corruption, and social inequality.

Beyond the UK:

Crust’s influence spread beyond the UK, with bands like His Hero is Gone (USA) and Confuse (Japan) contributing their own distinct styles to the genre.

Funny Facts:

• Amebix frontman, The Baron, is a self-proclaimed anarchist and vegan. He once famously said, “I don’t eat animals, I eat vegetables, and I don’t drink alcohol, I drink beer.”
• Extinction were known for their chaotic live shows, often ending with the stage being completely destroyed.
• A popular crust band, Nausea, was also known for their extremely graphic album covers, often depicting scenes of violence and gore. Their album “The World Is a Cancer” is a testament to their dark humor.

Legacy:

Crust punk, despite its niche status, continues to inspire musicians and listeners today. Its message of environmental awareness, social justice, and anti-establishment sentiment remains relevant in a world facing increasing political and social turmoil.

The future of crust is uncertain, but one thing is certain: this genre will continue to challenge and provoke as long as there are people who dare to speak truth to power through the power of music.