Disforia – Il Nulla Che Avanza

Artist: Disforia

Title: Il Nulla Che Avanza

Release: LP / Digital

Year: 2024

Label: Deviance, Meat-Grinder Records, Tifiamo Rivolta Co-produzioni, ¡ZAS! Autoproduzioni, Bologna Punx, NKTN Rehorz, wrong disk records

The Italian DIY grindcore scene is definitely riding a wave right now, with bands like Eraser, Tsubo, Estinzione, Repulsione, Terramorta, Plague Bomb, and Terror Firmer all releasing records that are some of the fiercest grind the underground has seen in decades. Legendary grinders Disforia from L’Aquila, still going strong after 25 years, have been particularly active lately, dropping their latest 12-inch vinyl, Il Nulla che Avanza, on July 28, 2024. Released through ¡ZAS! Autoproduzioni, arguably one of the best grindcore labels around right now, and co-released with other DIY collectives from Italy and France, this record is a clear statement that brutal crust and grindcore in Italy is still alive and kicking.

Disforia have always had a distinctive way of blending scorching crustcore with the sheer devastation of old-school grind. Their music takes cues from mincecore legends like Comrades and Dogmatized, maintaining that militantly political rage but leaning more into a crust-driven grind sound. Following up on recent, crushing splits with Drunkards, Cannibe, and Agathocles, Disforia have tightened their attack even further, mastering their style and placing themselves among the crustgrind top dogs. Il Nulla che Avanza confirms their place at the top of the crust chain, delivering seven blistering tracks that capture the essence of the genre while pushing their sound into new levels of brutality.

Right from the opening track, you get grabbed by the throat with an intro riff that’s crust-thrash perfection, quickly morphing into a relentless storm of buzzing grindcrust riffage, and not once do they ease up. The raw intensity and sonic violence are consistent throughout, demonstrating both the band’s technical skill and their deep roots in the genre’s legacy. Twenty-four years in the game means Disforia have perfected their approach, and it shows as they live and breathe the space between crust and grind, turning it into their personal battleground.

Their political message hasn’t softened either. Disforia remain militantly anarchist, relentlessly calling out organized religion (especially the corrupt-as-hell Catholic Church) and the oppressive machinery of state and capital that maintain their grip through violence and deceit. The record is also deeply misanthropic, overflowing with negativity and spite, but it’s all focused squarely at those in power. Their nihilistic anti-human, anti-life stance comes loaded with a clear call for retribution and insurrection.

Mauro, one of the band’s founding member, handles guitar and bass duties, Andrea brings the savage growls, and Pablo provides the chaotic drumming. Il Nulla che Avanza benefits from a superbly balanced production that’s has a metallic and clear tone, yet perfectly rough around the edges, preserving that essential DIY crust punk spirit. The rhythm section is flawless, seamlessly matching Mauro’s frantic guitar riffs, occasionally dipping into slower sludge territory before erupting back into manic crustcore and grinding chaos. Pablo’s drumming moves effortlessly between d-beats, blasts, and slower, sludgier parts, while Andrea delivers an outstanding vocal performance. He’s growling, shrieking, and shouting with feral intensity and impressive range.

In short, Il Nulla che Avanza is easily among Disforia’s best releases and raises the bar for any band hoping to capture this style. These veterans are respected for good reason, and this record only strengthens that reputation. It’s great to see them back and active again, and I’m already hungry to see what’s next from them. Make sure you grab a copy through the labels mentioned and catch them live this summer, as their shows are just as crushing as their records. As their split with Agathocles boldly proclaimed, IN MINCE WE CRUST!

The European DIY grindcore scene has never been better, and these crust-grind lifers are here to remind us why we love this noise in the first place.