What is Crust Punk?
Crust Punk (also known as stenchcore or simply crust) is a subgenre of the punk subculture influenced by the English punk scene as well as extreme metal, a derivative form of anarcho-punk, mixed with metal riffs. Emerging in the mid to late 1980s, it is very similar to other punk genres, such as Grindcore, Thrash, and Oi!, but normally louder, faster, with more deprecating lyrics. So, it has fairly specific characteristics with plenty of room for creative expression, meaning many of the bands that fall in this category also overlap with other punk subgenres. Most of these bands have a “crusty sound” because they typically don’t record professionally, either because they don’t have the means or because of the anarchist ideals.
The Beginning of Crust Punk
Some of the most influential bands that formed Crust Punk as a whole are Amebix, Discharge, Antisect, Sacrilege, and Anti-Cimex. These remain some of the most popular Crust Punk bands to this day and are on almost every “Crust Punk Essentials” playlist. These bands all speak of going against the establishment, the negative effects of capitalism, as well as many other stereotypical Punk ideals. Although these are the most influential, where did the actual name come from? It’s said that Hellbastard’s ‘RipperCrust’ was the first time Crust had been used to describe any aspect of the Punk subculture.
Who is the Crust Punk?
Obviously, Crust Punk is a musical subgenre of Punk (which has strong political ties) but also has some interesting fashion staples. A big part of the aesthetic is DIY clothing that is very ragged and sometimes even grimy looking. One thing you might see are handmade Patch Pants, specifically called crust pants, and so-called battle jackets/vests. Both of these are patched-up clothing, either of necessity or just for fashion. Patches that have writing or graphics will be of either punk ideals or punk bands. You might also see some studs, spikes, and possibly bullet-covered accessories.
Musical Aspects
As we now know, Crust is music-based. So what are some bands that are considered Crust Punk? The most well-known bands are Dystopia, disrupt, Extreme Noise Terror, and Doom. Crust Punk was derived from English Punk, meaning that there are also now more American Crust Punk, but many other countries also have their own scenes that make similar music, making it somewhat diverse. One huge aspect of punk as a whole is the lyrics, as stated before. Popular song topics have to do with traditional punk political ideals, like animal rights, capitalism, and equality.
Animal Rights
Punks believe that animal testing is unnecessary and immoral, as those animals never asked to be born for those experiments and are often in pain, dying extremely early. Many songs have to do with this topic, but my favorites are: A Life’s A Life by disrupt, At The Cost Of An Animal by Dropdead, and Animal Liberation by Mob 47.
Capitalism
Punks also believe that Capitalism is ruining the world, as it puts the rich on a pedestal and leaves the rest to rot. My favorite songs to do with this topic are Socialized Death Sentence by Dystopia, A Nation Sleeps by Dropdead, and Bulls*** Propoganda by Extreme Noise Terror.
Mental Health
Punks know that mental health is super important, but the world we live in doesn’t value the same sentiment. In fact, it’s because of the world we live in that our mental health is so bad as a whole. Some of my favorite songs that speak on this topic are: My Meds Aren’t Working by Dystopia, Conform by Siege, Pure Hate by Poison Idea, and Stress Builds Character by Dystopia.
Equality and Anti-Racism
An extremely basic part of being punk is hating hate. For over 100 years people have hated different minorities, whether that be Jewish people, LGBT+ people, or POC, there is hate. Punks accept everyone with open arms, except those spreading hate. Some of my favorite songs detailing this hate of hate are: Nazi Die by Doom, Insecurities by Capitalist Casualties, and F***ed up State by Icons Of Filth.
Anti-War
Many punks believe in providing safety for all, as well as going against the establishment. War is started by the greater establishments and leaves many innocent bystanders dead, injured, or mentally unwell. Some of the most powerful songs about this topic that I like are THIRD WORLD FIGHTING MUSIC by Hong Kong F*** You and Anti-Tank Dogs by Wolfbrigade.
Conclusion
People who belong to a certain subculture, whether that be Punk, Scene, Goth, or any other subgenres, aren’t defined by only the music they listen to and the clothes they wear. So don’t assume negative stereotypes about these types of people just based on what they wear and listen to. These people also have lives outside of just the subculture. Many people who belong to these groups even listen to a wide variety of music. The moral of the story is to listen to what you want, and dress how you want, but always do your research to not offend anyone or misinform.
