Grindcore is one of those subgenres in the heavy music world that is often overlooked and is also one of the most abrasive. To a point where sometimes it is difficult to differentiate bands at times as the typical criteria of what makes a grindcore band, are quite narrow. Sometimes, the borders are pushed outward, such as can be seen on the latest Suffering Quota album, Collide (Tartarus Records). Take traditional grindcore, toss in some death metal, and make the breakdowns count with powerviolence, and you are left with the audio recordings of a true beatdown.

‘Side’ was the first track to catch my ear as, seemingly from nowhere, Suffering Quota pulls out some old-school death metal vibes in the bridge of the track. Tremolo picking over a breakdown had such a great effect of feeling impending doom. ‘Pig’ incorporates a lot of groove in the verses while moments of powerviolence escape with ultra aggression. A nice grindy outro put a nice bow on this one. The closing track, ‘Scorn’, is the longest track at over four minutes, but also leaves off on a good note. Collide could not close in a better way as all of the different sides of the Dutch group really come together and showcase how each piece really completes who they are as artists.

Collide, from front to back, certainly has some tracks that are predominantly grindcore and feel monotonous at times. However, Suffering Quota experiments and takes risks at the right time in most of the tracks on the album. This may be my first interaction with the band, but they have all of the right tools to put out some serious rippers. Thus, I look forward to spinning this album again and whatever else they release in the future.

Buy the album here:

https://sufferingquota.bandcamp.com/album/collide

7 / 10

TIM LEDIN