D-beat

D-beat is a subgenre of hardcore punk rock that is closely related to crust punk. It is characterized by its distinctive, heavily distorted, and often raw sound, driven by a simple, repetitive drum beat often referred to as the "D-beat." This beat typically involves a steady bass drum pulse on each beat, a snare hit on the second and fourth beats, and a regular hi-hat pattern.

The name "D-beat" comes from the band Discharge, a British punk band whose early 1980s sound heavily influenced the genre's development. While Discharge didn't invent the drum beat itself, they popularized and codified it within a punk context, leading many subsequent bands to emulate their sound.

D-beat bands often incorporate themes of anarchism, anti-militarism, social commentary, and dystopian futures in their lyrics. The music is typically fast-paced, aggressive, and politically charged, reflecting a sense of frustration and anger towards societal injustices.

While primarily a hardcore punk subgenre, D-beat has also influenced and been influenced by other genres such as thrash metal and black metal, with some bands blurring the lines between these different styles. Notable D-beat bands include Discharge (as the originators), The Varukers, Anti Cimex, and Disfear. The genre remains active and continues to inspire new bands and musicians within the broader punk and metal scenes.