Grindcore is one of those fence-sitter genres. It wants to be punk, but it also wants to be metal.

Like crossover, a lot of bands from the movement draw on influence from both punk and metal genres, but both of those movements have their own overall goals.

Grindcore also shares themes and imagery with both punk and metal, from the horror and the occult (BLOOD, Carcass, Repulsion) to the political and social (Napalm Death, Brutal Truth, Terrorizer).

So, my question is: Is grindcore more metal than punk, or more punk than metal?

Qualities of punk music:

• Composition follows lyrics; often verse-chorus, some narrative
• Rhythmic, mechanical, blocky riffs guided by percussion

Qualities of metal music:

• Narrative, repeating, motif-based composition
• Speedy, organic, fluid riffs, esp. on lead instrument

Just tell us what you think in the comments.