photo: Repulsion @ Warsaw, 2012 (more by Greg Cristman)
The band was ahead of its time — they were pushing thrash and punk into limits that would become the blueprints for grindcore music. Of course, there wasn’t “grindcore” when Repulsion were first around. They were just playing metal much faster, nastier, and louder than their peers. The bands they’ve influenced are too numerous to list — hell, Black Breath took their name from a Repulsion song. When Horrified, their first and most revered demo, was finally released in 1989 through Carcass’ Necrosis Records, the band had already broken up. Since reuniting in the early aughts, with Marissa Martinez and Col Jones of Cretin joining original members Scott Carlson and Matt Olivo, they’ve played some well-received reunion gigs. Repulsion was even recently used in a study on music in the workplace! Sometimes, the second act of your life can be the best. And with a record as classic as Horrified? Repulsion deserves it. – [BV, 2012]
Michigan grindcore greats Repulsion, who last played NYC in 2012 for Power of the Riff, will be back for a show at Saint Vitus on April 26. Tickets are on sale now. It’s their only announced date at the moment.