Environmental degradation counts as a common subject in metal. For grindcore San Diegans Cattle Decapitation, it’s religion. Title based on the unofficial term for an epoch in which human behavior upends Earth, The Anthropocene Extinction holds nothing back in pursuit of eco justice. The brutally furious “Manufactured Extinct” and “Mutual Assured Destruction” blast bluntly, while “Clandestine Ways (Krokodil Rot)” twists the knife with animal test subjects taking revenge on their tormentors. Powered by Travis Ryan’s many voices – roar, shriek, keen, croon – and Dave McGraw’s inhuman drumming, these anthems drive their points home with unearthly force.

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This article appears in August 14 • 2015.

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Michael Toland started writing about music in 1988 on the Gulf Coast, moved to Austin in early 1991, and has inflicted bylines upon the corporeal and digital pages of Pop Culture Press, The Big Takeover, Blurt, Amplifier, Austin.citysearch, the Austin American Statesman, Goldmine, Sleazegrinder, Rock & Roll Globe, High Bias, FHT Music Notes, and, since 2011, The Austin Chronicle.