Vilmort – Demo I

Continuing with our deep dive into Spain’s thriving grindcore scene, we encounter a fresh antifascist ensemble from Valencia named Vilmort, who deliver crusty raw mincegrind in a classic manner. Bands like Vilmort (alongside Convulsions, Nashgul, Grindfernö, Horrible, Bisturi, etc.) highlight the strength of the DIY anarcho-grind movement in Spain, a reflection of the country’s rich history of class struggle and insurrection.

Released on November 20, 2023 through Crust As Fuck Records, Vilmort’s demo tape features 15 tracks, running just over 10 minutes in total, embodying the essence of grindcore’s brevity. The demo presents a militant antifa attitude and potent political messages, wrapped in a production that nods to the old-school yet feels thoroughly polished. This sound brings to mind legendary Spanish acts like Denak, Excreted Alive, Violent Headache, Proyecto Terror, among others.

Crust as fuck (pun intended) riffs masterfully mixed with chaotic grinding guitar massacring, amazingly done shrieks and growls, and impeccably timed drums make this first release an instant classic in the genre and a very strong contender for one of the best releases not only of the genre, but the entire year. The atmosphere is clearly politically charged and the insurrectionist militancy is more than understandable from the song titles alone—this is the quintessential angst-fueled sound of anti-capitalist outrage in all its raw, buzzing might and glory.

Lyrically, Vilmort doesn’t hold back, tackling themes like religious indoctrination, militant antifascism, and the subtle manipulations of post-industrial capitalism. The band deals with pressing global concerns like the rise of neo-fascism, environmental degradation, and the incessant systemic oppression of marginalized communities. Their critique extends to the fluidity of capital in our neoliberal dystopia and its cunning ability to always find ways to appropriate and capitalize on “progressive” positions in the name of identity politics and distraction. Thankfully, Vilmort and bands like them stand as beacons of resistance against faux-leftism, late-stage capitalism, racism, and societal division, channeling their defiance through the powerful medium of musical protest—the very essence of grindcore.

Sonically, it doesn’t get any better than this in crust/grind/mince—all the main components of the genre are here—from classic crust punk tropes and grind’s sheer brutality to mincecore’s unique sound and aesthetics, all the while keeping the DIY ethos aflame. The ferocity of the guitar work is unparalleled and on a worldwide level. The guitar work is unparalleled, the rhythm section bombastic and groovy, and the vocals among the best grindcore growls I’ve ever heard. They may have been influenced by the classics, and that is clear, but there is a strong sense of local and personal identity that any grind maniac will feel and hear.

This debut is destined to be celebrated as a modern classic and a genre cornerstone, representing the pinnacle of relentless sonic aggression fueled by a bold anarchist spirit. Eagerly anticipating what Vilmort might unleash next, this high-caliber demo sets a high benchmark, promising even greater masterpieces on the horizon.