Cloud Rat

Cloud Rat is a pivotal trio in the modern grindcore landscape, emerging from Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, in 2010.

While they are firmly rooted in the speed and aggression of grindcore and fastcore, they are widely recognized for incorporating elements of screamo, post-punk, and noise, creating a sound that is as emotionally taxing as it is sonically abrasive. The band consists of vocalist Madison Marshall, guitarist Rorik Brooks, and drummer Brandon Hill. Their sound identity is defined by Marshall's high-register vocal intensity and Brooks' ability to pivot from dissonant, crust-influenced riffs to surprisingly beautiful melodic textures. Culturally, they occupy a space of 'empathetic extremity,' often associated with the DIY punk scene and political activism. They have maintained a prolific output of splits and full-lengths, consistently receiving critical acclaim for their ability to evolve without losing their core ferocity. They are a primary influence on the 'emotional grind' sub-movement, bridging the gap between the technicality of bands like Gridlink and the raw, heart-on-sleeve urgency of 90s screamo.