Bastard

Formed in 2011 in St. Louis, Bastard represents a specific cross-pollination of genres often referred to as 'blackened crust' or 'blackened hardcore.'

While sharing a name with several legendary acts, most notably the Japanese crust icons, this iteration of Bastard carves out a niche by leaning heavily into the speed and aesthetic of the Japanese d-beat scene (Death Side, Gauze) while maintaining the tonal darkness of second-wave black metal. Their sound is characterized by a 'static' dynamic range, meaning they maintain a peak level of intensity from start to finish. Critically, they are viewed as part of a modern wave of US bands that reject the 'atmospheric' or 'post' trends in black metal, opting instead for a primitive, high-energy approach. Their career arc, highlighted by releases like Hades Command and Rotten Blood, shows a commitment to a raw, analog-adjacent production style that appeals to both the metal underground and the hardcore punk community.