Global Holocaust – Act of Disaster EP

Formed in 1989 in Montréal, Global Holocaust have always been somewhat underrated, yet they were a huge part of the then-burgeoning crustcore scene alongside Code 13, Disrupt, Destroy!, No Security, Excrement of War, and compatriots like Oppressed Conscience, Urban Trash, and the recently reformed Disagree. After a long hiatus from 1996 to 2004, the band stayed relevant through occasional gigs, anarchist activism, and a prolific catalogue. Pressed on seven-inch vinyl by four labels, Act of Disaster is Global Holocaust’s first release in eighteen years.

Stylistically there is a clear continuation of what they were doing before, no surprises here, but the punchy production lets the EP show its full power and ferocity. Thrashing crustcore riffs, relentless d-beats, chainsaw-buzzing bass, and their trademark angst-filled, throaty vocals all return in force. The formula still works because these four songs are loaded with passion. Their original sound is perfectly encapsulated, yet presented in a way that feels fresh and up-to-date.

Across just four tracks Global Holocaust display their morbid vision of total crustcore annihilation. The guitars create a bleak landscape with dark harmonics and solos that burst out after their signature crust/grind riffs. Dual-guitar work—something they embraced long before it became common in crust—gives the music a darker, broodier edge, not unlike what later bands such as Nuclear Death Terror would attempt.

At seven inches, Act of Disaster marks a new beginning. Global Holocaust were never a band to follow a strict release schedule; they move when inspiration strikes, and the results have always been spectacular. Their morbid crust riffage grabs you immediately, while the distorted old-school bass unveils a brutal chainsaw tone that fits the overall sound and still shows plenty of character. Vocals remain their typical crusty, shouty, angst-ridden shrieks, and the drums shift between fierce d-beats and the occasional blastbeat, adding even more brutality. They have retained their original sound yet show a musical evolution rare among old-school acts—each song sounds distinct, heavy, and fully in line with today’s standards.

After a long hiatus the band once again proves how real crustcore is done, and we hope they continue their journey. They are one of the few bands to perfect the crustcore formula, and Act of Disaster testifies to their ability to stay relevant and deliver music with a real message while holding fast to their DIY roots.