Chaotic blast beats and screaming guitars from the UK underground. 178–251 BPM.
Voidgrind is a subgenre of extreme metal that originated in the UK around 1985. It is characterized by extremely fast tempos (178-251 BPM), relentless blast beats, distorted guitar riffs, and screamed vocals. The genre is known for its chaotic, abrasive sound and underground cult following.
The defining artists of Voidgrind — the names that shaped the sound. Tap to hear on Spotify.
The classic anthems and current essentials that define Voidgrind.
Voidgrind is defined by its blistering speed and relentless aggression. Drumming is dominated by blast beats at tempos often exceeding 200 BPM, with minimal variation. Guitars play distorted, often atonal riffs with a sharp, cutting tone. Vocals are high-pitched screams or guttural shrieks, adding to the chaotic texture.
The overall sound is raw and lo-fi, with production that emphasizes the abrasive qualities. Songs are typically very short, sometimes under a minute, and structure is minimal, focusing on intensity over melody.
Voidgrind emerged in the UK around 1985 as an offshoot of the burgeoning grindcore and extreme metal scenes. Bands like Napalm Death and Carcass were pioneering similar sounds, but Voidgrind took the intensity further with even faster tempos and a more chaotic approach.
Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, the genre remained deeply underground, with a small but dedicated following. It evolved alongside other extreme genres like death metal and powerviolence, often sharing fans and musicians.
Culturally, Voidgrind is associated with anarcho-punk and anti-establishment themes, reflecting the bleak socio-political climate of Thatcher-era Britain. Its abrasive sound and DIY ethos continue to influence modern extreme metal and noise music.
How Voidgrind is built — drum pattern, swing, and the sounds you need.
When producing Voidgrind, prioritize speed and aggression. Drum programming should use tight, machine-gun blast beats with minimal swing; a metronomic feel is common. BPM typically ranges from 178 to 251, with the fastest sections often reserved for climaxes.
Guitar tones should be heavily distorted with high gain and a sharp mid-range. Use palm-muted power chords and tremolo picking. Vocals are best recorded with a dynamic microphone and minimal processing to retain raw energy. Samples of industrial noise or feedback can be layered for added chaos.
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