What is powerviolence?

Powerviolence is a subgenre of hardcore punk that emerged in the late 1980s in the United States. It is characterized by its fast, aggressive, and intense style, often incorporating elements of thrash metal and noise music. Powerviolence bands typically have short, chaotic songs with heavy distortion, screamed vocals, and frenetic drumming.

Lyrically, powerviolence often addresses social and political issues, as well as themes of anger, frustration, and dissent. The genre's DIY ethic and underground nature have been important factors in its development, with many bands releasing their music independently or through small, independent labels.

Some notable powerviolence bands include Infest, Charles Bronson, Man Is the Bastard, and Spazz. Powerviolence has had a significant influence on various extreme music genres, including grindcore, crust punk, and noise rock.