ESCUELA GRIND
Dreams On Algorithms

Never underestimate how much a good grindcore album can brighten your day. I know what you’re thinking: “how can grindcore make my day brighter?” Trust me. Whereas grindcore can seem intimidating at first, it has spiritual qualities that can feel cathartic to the ears. This is exactly what ESCUELA GRIND’s new album “Dreams On Algorithms” has succeeded in doing.

THE BAND

Formed in Ithaca, New York in 2016, ESCUELA GRIND have been distorting the definition of sonic beauty for three full-length albums and numerous EPs. Finding that sweet spot between traditional death metal and grindcore, they reach out to the uninitiated and comfort them as they traverse the often-confusing world of extreme metal. Fronted by the incomparable Katerina Economou and backed by the trio of brutality of Kris Morash on guitar, Justin Altamirano on bass and Jesse Fuentes on drums, ESCUELA GRIND aim to take the listener on an existential journey through the heaviest of voyages.

THE ALBUM

“Dreams On Algorithms” is a non-stop ruthless feast for the senses. Even the album cover conveys exactly what the listener is getting into. If you don’t want extremity in your music, then you have made a mistake.

The opening track “DOA” kicks into full-gear right off the bat, with Economou’s guttural lows kicking the listener square in the gut. Be prepared for constant hellfire goodies with tracks like “Constant Passenger”, “Moral Injury”, and “Scorpion” keeping the intensity at eleven through the tracklisting. The high-pitched feedback of “Concept Of God” literally made me jump out of my seat and the syncopation of the drums and guitars on “Animus Multiform” straddles the line between groove and grind.

Speaking of straddling lines, this seems to be a motif of ESCUELA GRIND. They have the ability to draw you in with a groovy bass hook or hardcore-punk influenced riff before throwing the listener right into the pits of hell. Which is such a refreshing quality to grindcore, which sometimes justifiably is criticized for being somewhat one-dimensional.

My standout track on the album would have to be “Planned Obsolescence”. The track feels like this cocktail of influences that are worn on the band’s sleeve from the chuggy riffs of hardcore to the chromatic death metal lines, and odd polyrhythms between the drums and bass.

THE VERDICT

Honestly, this is the album to pick up if you’re on the fence about grindcore. I know that it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but “Dreams On Algorithms” is a perfect gateway to something new for your metal tastes and the perfect excuse to let your listening habits evolve. “Dreams On Algorithms” was released on October 18th through MNRK Heavy. Pick it up for a great time.

Matthew McCune